Yankee manager sees improvement in struggling Wang

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Wang Chien-ming gave up two runs in three innings in his return from the disabled list against the Phillies on Friday, but New York Yankees manager Joe Girardi said the pitcher had showed signs of improvement.

"He was better, there was definite progress," Girardi told reporters about his struggling pitcher, who came on in relief during a 7-3 loss to World Series champion Philadelphia.

"I saw a lot more velocity. I saw a lot more sink when the ball was down. It's a big step in the right direction."

The Taiwanese, who was put on the disabled list after being bludgeoned to the tune of a 34.50 earned run average in his first three starts, walked one and gave up six hits on Friday including a mammoth home run to Raul Ibanez.

"He left the ball up to Ibanez and he hit it out," Girardi explained.

Girardi said they would continue to work with Wang but were encouraged by Friday's outing.

"Before he was 88 to 91 (miles per hour) and tonight he was 91 to 94," he said. "And I saw a lot more sink to balls that were down in the zone.

"We thought it was progress. We saw some good stuff tonight from where he was a month ago. He's definitely going the right way. His arm strength is back, his sinker was exploding and he'll get more consistent."

Girardi said Wang, whose ERA dipped to 25.00, would stay in the bullpen for now, but could step in for Joba Chamberlain if he was not able to make his scheduled start after being hit in the knee with a batted ball in his last appearance.

(Editing by Nick Mulvenney)