TAMPA, Fla. (AP) -Yankees catcher Jorge Posada is set to take a big step in his rehabilitation program for a sore right shoulder Thursday when he is scheduled to resume throwing to the bases in an extended spring training game.

The five-time All-Star has been sidelined since April 27. Posada, batting .302 with one homer and 11 RBIs in 63 at-bats, hopes to rejoin the Yankees around June 3.

``We'll see,'' he said. ``So far, so good.''

Posada played catch in the outfield and threw to the bases during a pregame workout Tuesday before he caught six innings and went 3-for-6 with a double in his second extended spring game.

``Another step forward,'' Posada said. ``Get some at-bats, and now have a day off tomorrow and get ready to throw Thursday. It's just a matter of getting ready to play games.''

Four of Posada's at-bats came against injured Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Kris Benson, who has a strained groin. Posada went 2-for-4 with a double that went off the right-field fence.

``He was around the plate, and you get some at-bats,'' Posada said of facing a major league pitcher.

Benson gave up two runs and five hits in four-plus innings. He struck out four and walked one during his 75-pitch outing.

Notes: Yankees RHP Carl Pavano (elbow ligament replacement surgery) threw 35 pitches off a half-mound. ... RHP Alan Horne, one of the Yankees' top starting pitching prospects, allowed one run, four hits and struck out seven over 3 2-3 innings in his third extended spring start. He is on the Triple-A disabled list with a biceps injury. ... New York RHP Humberto Sanchez (elbow surgery) had a bullpen session and might be ready for minor league games in mid-June.Copyright © 2005 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. The information contained in the AP News report may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without the prior written authority of The Associated Press.