It may be difficult to believe, but Pedro Feliciano, who suffered a torn rotator cuff early in spring training last year shortly after signing a two-year, $8 million contract and, after surgery, was expected never to throw a pitch as a Yankee, began a rehab assignment with the Gulf Cost League (Class A) Yankees and threw a scoreless inning today, allowing one hit and striking out three.

And it is possible that Feliciano could make it back to the big leagues this season.

"It's a bit of a surprise because he went through a real serious injury, but he’s been determined to get back,'' Joe Girardi said. "I imagine he’ll have a couple days off because of the injury he went through. I’m not sure what his next step is, but we’ll see how he comes out tomorrow. My hope is that he’s able to continue to progress for us.''

The Yankees now have 30 days to make a decision on Feliciano, either to promote him to the big club, or return him to the DL. Girardi said it was the team's hope that he could make it back far enough to re-join the Yankees as a September callup.