ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. -- Rafael Soriano, the former Tampa Bay reliever acquired in the offseason by the New York Yankees over the public objections of general manager Brian Cashman to serve as a high-priced "Bridge to Mariano [Rivera]," is currently a bridge to nowhere.

Soriano was placed on the 15-day disabled list Tuesday, retroactive to May 14, due to lingering stiffness and soreness in his pitching elbow. Soriano's bullpen session on Monday was cut short when the soreness persisted, and he was sent back to New York for an MRI and a consultation with team physician Dr. Chris Ahmad.

Although the MRI came back "clean," according to manager Joe Girardi, the decision was made to shut down Soriano in the hope his problem would be cured by rest. Soriano had elbow surgery in 2008 but has said he did not believe his current injury was related.

"He's just got a little inflammation," Girardi said. "I sure hope [Soriano is back in two weeks]. That's the plan. I can't tell you that's what it's going to be. We'll see."