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Aardsma makes first rehab appearance

06/19/2012 3:57 PM ET
By Jon Lane

Reliever David Aardsma made his first rehab appearance on Tuesday with the Gulf Coast League Yankees. Working his way back from Tommy John surgery, Aardsma threw a scoreless inning, walking one and striking out two.

The Yankees signed Aardsma to a Major League deal in February. A former closer for the Mariners, for whom he saved 69 games in 78 chances while posting a 2.90 ERA, Aardsma underwent surgery last summer. Tuesday's outing started the 30-day rehab clock, so barring any setbacks Aardsma could be a big addition for an already strong Yankees bullpen later next month. Joba Chamberlain (ankle) said on Saturday he could face hitters for the first time by next Tuesday.

Aardsma will again pitch for the GCL team Saturday in Tampa.

"It felt amazing to get out there today," Aardsma tweeted. "Threw well, but the job isn't done. Need to #keepworking if I want to get to the #yankees. Gotta keep [getting] better every time out."

Follow Jon Lane on Twitter: @JonLaneNYC

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