New York Yankees pitcher Jaret Wright could make his return to the rotation next week as he continues to rehab from shoulder problems that surfaced in late April.
Yankee manager Joe Torre, speaking before Wednesday's game against the Chicago White Sox, said Wright has been pitching well in the minors and could be back with the big league club as early as next Monday against Tampa Bay.
Wright threw six innings on Tuesday against Ft. Myers in a rehab assignment with the Tampa Yankees in Single-A ball. He gave up two earned runs on seven hits while striking out four. He also allowed three walks and hit a batter.
Signed to a three-year contract worth a reported $21 million in the offseason, Wright has started just four games with the Yankees in 2005 and owns a record of 2-2 with a 9.15 earned run average.
The righthander has not pitched in the majors since April 23 against Texas. An MRI exam then revealed inflammation and torn scar tissue in the right shoulder.