Yankees' Chamberlain throws off mound

TAMPA, Fla. (AP) -- New York Yankees reliever Joba Chamberlain threw off a mound Friday for the first time since hurting his ankle in March.

Chamberlain made 25 throws in a batting cage at the Yankees' minor league complex.He had been throwing off a half-height mound to help regain his form.

"It felt good," Chamberlain said. "Another step forward. That's all you can do."

Chamberlain, who dislocated his right ankle bouncing on a trampoline with his son on March 22, has also resumed running sprints in the outfield.

The 6-foot-2, 240-pound right-hander was working his way back from elbow ligament-replacement surgery when sidelined by the ankle injury.

Chamberlain say he will pitch this season.

"Is that even a question?" he said.

David Aardsma threw 40 pitches during his third batting practice session and might be ready to pitch in a simulated game late next week. Aardsma, 13-15 with a 4.20 ERA in 254 relief appearances over six seasons, had elbow-ligament replacement surgery last July.

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