After having an MRI and following a visit with Dr. Andrews, the injury to Joba Chamberlain was officially diagnosed as a rotator cuff tendonitis. This diagnosis was expected, as I had previously mentioned:
"What this tells us is that this could be a minor muscle strain or tendonitis - small enough to create a sense of tightness or stiffness, but not enough to be grossly weak."
He was placed on the 15-day DL today and was instructed to rest for one week before starting a throwing program. With the Yankees sitting only 3.5 games behind the Red Sox in the wild card race, the Yankees may bring him back as soon as he feels ready. In all likelihood, he should be ready to return to action once his initial 15 days are up, however, the Yankees could also decide to play this one conservatively and have him return in September once the rosters expand.
This is not a situation where you want to drop Chamberlain - in any format. He is no danger of missing substantial time here, and he will return to his usual, outstanding production.
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