Rehab updates: Damon falls behind

The AP keeps us updated on the progressions of Johnny Damon, Hideki Matsui, Phil Hughes, Brian Bruney and Eric Milton.

• Damon: His first hitting session off a tee was pushed back due to soreness in his injured shoulder. Damon said he had trouble sleeping last night.
• Matsui: Matsui took batting practice on Saturday and Sunday. Today he worked out indoors, but he still hasn't started running yet. He will need to begin a running routine before he can play in rehab games.
• Hughes: He threw 25 fastballs from the mound and 10 curveballs from 30 feet.
• Bruney: He started for Double-A Trenton today. In one scoreless inning, he allowed a hit while throwing 15 pitches.
• Milton: Recovering from Tommy John surgery, he is scheduled to throw his first bullpen session sometime tomorrow.
  

Yankees sign Eric Milton

The Yankees signed Eric Milton to a minor-league deal this afternoon, according to Ed Price.

Milton, who turns 33 next month, is still recovering from "Tommy John" surgery. He threw on flat ground today in Tampa, Fla., and is at least six weeks away from pitching in games.

"If he does anything to help us this year, that's fine," Cashman said. "We're just going to have a chance to get an advance look (for 2009)."

They couldn't get CC Sabathia or Rich Harden, so this is obviously the logical Plan C.

But seriously, some move that can benefit this team this season needs to be done if they're serious about contending.