New York Yankees setup man Rafael Soriano won’t be available for the Yankees’ two-game series against Tampa Bay due to an elbow injury. He said on Sunday that he hopes to be back for Wednesday’s game in Baltimore.

Soriano said he felt fine after playing catch on Sunday but was unavailable for the game in a precautionary move. He plans to throw a bullpen session on Monday and, if all goes well, he will be available on Wednesday.

Joba Chamberlain pitched the eighth inning on Sunday night and allowed a home run to the Red Sox No. 9 hitter, Jarrod Saltalamacchia.

Soriano last pitched on Friday night -- the first time since May 8 -- throwing a scoreless ninth inning in the Yankees’ 5-4 loss to the Red Sox.

He said his elbow felt “fine” after the game, but the next day it was “sore.” He underwent an MRI earlier in the week to make sure there was nothing wrong with his elbow. The results of the MRI revealed slight inflammation, but nothing serious.

Last month, Soriano couldn't pitch in Baltimore because of a bad back.

"Until he gets through the clear it’s an issue," general manager Brian Cashman said. "Until I’m not having to ask how he feels today, it’s something that’s obviously gonna be a concern.

Cashman didn't think Soriano would have to undergo any further tests, but wasn't certain.

"His [previous] tests were good," Cashman said. "But I haven't talked to our team doctor yet."

Soriano acknowledged that it has been frustrating for him to deal with so many injuries.

Soriano had elbow issues in 2008 but Joe Girardi said earlier this week that he didn’t think they were related.

The 31-year-old former Ray signed a three-year, $35 million deal with the Yankees in the offseason to be the team's eighth-inning setup man, but has not pitched particularly well in the eighth inning.

In 16 appearances and 15 innings pitched so far this season, Soriano has a 5.40 ERA.

“It’s a new team and I try to do the best that I can and right now nothing happen because I cannot pitch,” Soriano said.