OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) -New York Yankees right-hander Phil Hughes underwent X-rays on his injured right rib Thursday and was cleared to begin a throwing program in about two weeks.

Hughes has been sidelined with a stress fracture of a right rib since April. Manager Joe Girardi has said that Hughes will need about six weeks after he starts throwing before he would be ready to return to the majors, meaning he won't be back until at least August.

Hughes was expected to be a key member of New York's rotation this season, but was 0-4 with a 9.00 ERA in six outings before the injury.

The Yankees also announced that right-handed reliever Jonathan Albaladejo has a stress fracture in his right elbow and will miss the rest of the season. Albaladejo was 0-1 with a 3.95 ERA in seven appearances with the Yankees before being sidelined last month with an elbow injury.

Also, minor league pitcher J.B. Cox won't throw for three weeks because of right shoulder tendinitis.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 The information contained in the AP News report may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without the prior written authority of The Associated Press.