If today's bullpen session goes without a hitch Joba Chamberlain will take the next step in his rehabilitation process.

Nevertheless, pinning the Yankees down on what that will be isn't easy.

"We are taking it a day at a time and see how he feels," manager Joe Girardi said of the right-hander Chamberlain, who will throw his third bullpen session and is expected to make 35 to 45 pitches and throw breaking balls and fastballs. "He could do a simulated game Double-A (Trenton) and Triple-A (Scranton/Wilkes-Barre) are in the playoffs so there is time."

Chamberlain has been on the DL since leaving an Aug. 4 game in Texas with what was diagnosed as rotator cuff tendinitis.

GM Brian Cashman didn't say if the Yankees' place in the standings would dictate if Chamberlain is activated. The Yankees lost 7-3 to the Red Sox last night at the Stadium, falling six games behind Boston in the wild-card race.

"We are going to do what is best for him," Cashman said.