Mariano Rivera threw 26 pitches in a bullpen session Saturday, the first time since Aug. 31 the New York Yankees closer worked off a mound.
Rivera, sidelined by a muscle strain near his right elbow, is scheduled for another bullpen session Tuesday and could be pitching in games by the end of next week, Yankees manager Joe Torre said.
"Threw all his pitches. Had no problem," Torre said. "It was absolutely everything you're hoping for."
Harden set for return
Oakland righty Rich Harden is scheduled to pitch for the first time in more than three months with a start Thursday against the Cleveland Indians.
"The strategy is to get Rich Harden on the mound healthy," A's pitching coach Curt Young before yesterday's game against the Chicago White Sox.
The A's lead the AL West, and getting Harden back in the rotation would be a big boost as the playoffs approach.
Reds hitting coach suspended
Cincinnati Reds hitting coach Chris Chambliss was suspended for one game and fined an undisclosed amount by Major League Baseball for arguing balls and strikes.
He was to sit out yesterday's game against the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field.
Cards closer likely out for year
Cardinals closer Jason Isringhausen likely will miss the rest of the season because of a bad left hip, St. Louis pitching coach Dave Duncan said yesterday.
"I don't expect that Izzy's going to pitch anymore," Duncan said.
