After testing his elbow in a bullpen session on Saturday, according to Andy McCullough (Star-Ledger), the Yankees will likely use David Robertson on Tuesday against the Royals. Barring any setbacks, he should be on the team’s postseason roster, as Girardi has demonstrated a willingness to bring Robertson in whenever the team is in need of a strikeout.

Robertson has quietly put together a very productive year in the bullpen, striking out 61 over 41 innings while maintaining a 3.29 ERA (3.07 FIP). In fact, Robertson’s K/9 sits at 13.39—the highest in the AL and the second highest in baseball. Only Jonathon Broxton has been better at striking out opponents (13.50 K/9). If Robertson can lower his walk rate a bit, I wouldn’t be surprised to see him emerge as the team’s setup man in 2010.

UPDATE – Peter Abraham notes that Robertson has been cleared to pitch and will probably make an appearance during today’s game.

UPDATE – Looks like Andy McCullough was right. Abraham confirms that Robertson will not pitch until tomorrow.

Due to what has been characterized as “elbow tightness,” according to Anthony DiComo, David Robertson has been shut down indefinitely. He is also scheduled to see Dr. James Andrews after undergoing an MRI yesterday. This is a tough break for the team as Robertson has been an effective piece of the bullpen. Hopefully we’ll see him again this season.