Gleyber Torres believes he's ready to return to Yankees 'right now'

When Gleyber Torres was placed on the 10-day disabled list with a right hip strain nearly two weeks ago, the Yankees didn't believe his injury was serious or costly.

It turns out they were right -- Torres won't be on the shelf for much longer.

The 21-year-old rookie infielder, who hasn't played since July 4, exercised at Nationals Park in Washington, D.C. on Monday afternoon, and he told the YES Network that he's ready to return to game action.

"I can't wait.  I want to play.  I think I'm ready right now," said Torres, who is scheduled to fly from D.C. to Tampa on Wednesday and play in a few minor league rehab games before rejoining the big league club next Monday at Tropicana Field.  "I'm just waiting for more [rehab] games.  So, I'll see how I feel and if everything is all right, I'm back to play."

Although Torres won't play in Tuesday's All-Star Game in the nation's capital, he did make the trip, and he was in full uniform for photos and activities during interviews with the media.  In 63 first-half games, Torres hit .294 with 15 home runs, 10 doubles, 42 RBI, and a .905 OPS. 

"It's a huge experience.  I feel grateful for the fans supporting me and the opportunity," Torres told reporters on July 8.  "I think it's a good show... I'm super excited right now."

If you want to connect with Tom Hanslin, email him at thanslin@gmail.com or follow him on Twitter @tomhanslin.