Posada set to throw in game Thursday

5/27/2008 3:10 PM

TAMPA, Fla. (AP) -Yankees catcher Jorge Posada is set to take a big step in his rehabilitation program for a sore right shoulder Thursday when he is scheduled to resume throwing to the bases in an extended spring training game.

The five-time All-Star has been sidelined since April 27. Posada, batting .302 with one homer and 11 RBIs in 63 at-bats, hopes to rejoin the Yankees around June 3.

``We'll see,'' he said. ``So far, so good.''

Posada played catch in the outfield and threw to the bases during a pregame workout Tuesday before he caught six innings and went 3-for-6 with a double in his second extended spring game.

``Another step forward,'' Posada said. ``Get some at-bats, and now have a day off tomorrow and get ready to throw Thursday. It's just a matter of getting ready to play games.''

Four of Posada's at-bats came against injured Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Kris Benson, who has a strained groin. Posada went 2-for-4 with a double that went off the right-field fence.

``He was around the plate, and you get some at-bats,'' Posada said of facing a major league pitcher.

Benson gave up two runs and five hits in four-plus innings. He struck out four and walked one during his 75-pitch outing.

Notes: Yankees RHP Carl Pavano (elbow ligament replacement surgery) threw 35 pitches off a half-mound. ... RHP Alan Horne, one of the Yankees' top starting pitching prospects, allowed one run, four hits and struck out seven over 3 2-3 innings in his third extended spring start. He is on the Triple-A disabled list with a biceps injury. ... New York RHP Humberto Sanchez (elbow surgery) had a bullpen session and might be ready for minor league games in mid-June.