Report: Joba held back after MRI exam

With just two weeks remaining before Opening Day, pitcher Joba Chamberlain's left oblique injury sounds as if it may be more serious than the Yankees originally thought, the New York Post reported Wednesday.

The 25-year-old reliever experienced some pain in the area when he pitched on Friday, and manager Joe Girardi originally said Chamberlain would pitch again Wednesday or Thursday — but he has been pushed back after an MRI exam revealed what General Manager Brian Cashman would only call an "injured oblique."

"Whenever anyone's dealing with an oblique, there's a level of concern," Girardi said. "That's the bottom line. He's been asymptomatic, but he hasn't thrown."

Girardi said there is no timetable for when Chamberlain will pitch again, but he will have to throw a bullpen session before he is cleared to pitch in a game again.