ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) -Jorge Posada passed a key test in his rehab program for a sore right shoulder and could rejoin the Yankees as early as Wednesday.

New York's catcher made two strong throws to second base in an extended spring training game Saturday, the first day he was allowed to throw to the bases in a game since being sidelined on April 27.

``The second one was better than the first one,'' Posada said. ``It felt good throwing the ball. I'm happy with it. I'm happy the way I felt.''

Posada will likely play in extended spring games Monday and Tuesday, and could rejoin the Yankees after that.

``A day off (Sunday) and play again Monday,'' Posada said. ``We'll see how it feels Monday. Probably another game Tuesday. Get back Wednesday or Thursday.''

Posada went 2-for-4, including a single and a two-run double, and caught five innings in the game against Tampa Bay minor leaguers. The five-time All-Star is 8-for-22 with four walks in five extended spring games overall.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 The information contained in the AP News report may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without the prior written authority of The Associated Press.