Pedro Feliciano To Start Minor League Rehab Assignment

From Erik Boland:

Experience has taught Brian Cashman to be cautious with these things, but the news continues to be positive regarding Pedro Feliciano , apparently ready to take another significant step in his rehab that could lead to a September call-up.

The lefthander, signed to a two-year $8-million contract (with a club option for 2013) before the 2011 season, has been throwing batting practice sessions for the last two weeks in Tampa and will be set for his first rehab outing "very soon," Cashman said by phone Tuesday.

Indications are that Feliciano, who had rotator-cuff surgery last September, will appear in a Gulf Coast League game Friday. He threw another BP session Tuesday.

"He might become someone who's available to us," Cashman said. "We'll have to see."

...

Joba Chamberlain , activated from the disabled list last week, spent a lot of time working out with Feliciano in Tampa .

"I saw him throw in the bullpen and he looked pretty damn good," Chamberlain said before Tuesday night's game here. "He's worked his ---- off. I'm looking forward to seeing him up here."

I almost forgot he was even on the team. He'd certainly be a nice addition to the team if healthy, and as we've seen lately the bullpen could use the help.