David Phelps No Closer to Resuming Yankees Role, says Joe Girardi

It appears Hazelwood native and NY Yankees pitcher David Phelps has a long road to recovery.

He has not pitched for the Yankees since July 4, when a a few forearm and elbow strains forced him to the injured list. 

According to manager Joe Girardi, he is not close to rejoining the team. Girardi made that comment on Monday morning before beginning a four-game series against the White Sox, according to according to NJ.com.

Phelps (6-5, 5.01 ERA) has been playing catch, Girardi said. He has yet to throw a bullpen in his rehabilitation. If he returns, he will do so as a reliever, according to Girardi.

CBS Sports had Phelps on a 60-day DL. Listing him as being out until at least mid-September. That list was last updated Aug. 15.

• NY Yankeee Rookie Pitcher David Phelps to get a Thurman Munson Award
• Hazelwood Native and Yankee, David Phelps, Faces Albert Pujols
• Three Inducted Into Hazelwood West's Hall of Fame, Including…
• Hazelwood's David Phelps Back to Long Relief