Yankees Joba Chamberlain returns to bullpen

NEW YORK (Reuters) - New York Yankees pitcher Joba Chamberlain will begin the season in the bullpen, quashing speculation the right-hander was ready for a move into the starting rotation.

Chamberlain was 2-0 with a 0.38 ERA and one save in 19 games coming out of the bullpen as a late-season call-up from the minor leagues last year.

"At least I gave somebody something to talk about, you know?" Chamberlain told MLB.com on the Yankees Web site (www.yankees.com) on Wednesday. "I think it's going to be debated for a long time.

"I've still got to go out and put my uniform on. At the end of the day, it's what's best for this team."

The Yankees had groomed Chamberlain for a spot in the starting rotation but ultimately decided the 22-year-old Chamberlain could best be used in a relief role.

Chamberlain will continue to be used as a set-up man for closer Mariano Rivera.

"It's a combination of things -- his innings, his success and where we feel he fits best now," New York manager Joe Girardi said.

"It's just something we decided as an organization."

Chamberlain is 1-0 with a 6.14 ERA in 7 1/3 innings this spring.

(Writing by Steve Ginsburg in Washington; Editing by Ed Osmond)