Joba Chamberlain breezed through 35 pitches while facing batters in a simulated game Saturday, saying he's ready to rejoin the Yankees for the stretch run.

On the disabled list with rotator cuff tendinitis, Chamberlain said he threw all of his pitches.

"The biggest hurdle is just getting over the fact that you were out a little bit because of stuff going on in your shoulder," Chamberlain said. "You just have to be smart about your body and how it feels."

He also threw 45 pitches off a mound on Thursday and reported no lingering problems between sessions.

The 22-year-old right-hander, who was moved from the bullpen to the rotation earlier this year, said he doesn't know when he'll be activated but plans to return to relief duty.

"Wherever they need me," he said. "We're going to see how it reacts, and the way it has been is good. Hopefully I'll have an opportunity to get in there soon."

Phillies acquire Stairs from Blue Jays

Veteran Matt Stairs joined the Philadelphia Phillies on Saturday, eager to fill whatever role needed as the defending NL East champs try to make a push back to the playoffs.

Stairs was acquired from the Toronto Blue Jays in a trade that wrapped up Saturday. The Blue Jays will receive a player to be named.

"They [Toronto] were headed in a different direction," Stairs said. "I can understand that. It's tough leaving Toronto, being Canadian and playing for a Canadian team. But when they told me I was going to Philly I was like ... 'nice.' Going to a ballpark where I enjoy playing in."

With Geoff Jenkins on the disabled list with a strained hip flexor, the Phillies needed a left-handed bat. Stairs had been designated for assignment by the Blue Jays on Thursday night.

Orioles' Mora goes on the shelf

Baltimore Orioles third baseman Melvin Mora is expected to be sidelined about a week with a strained left hamstring.

Mora left Friday's game against Tampa Bay in the third after he was hurt trying to beat out a ground ball.

"It's sore," Mora said Saturday. "Could be a week, or less."

SHORT HOP: Struggling Florida Marlins closer Kevin Gregg says he's taking a break to rest a sore left knee that has bothered him the past three or four weeks.

* Athletics designated hitter Frank Thomas was placed on the 15-day disabled list Saturday because of a strained right quadriceps.

Get $150+ in coupons in every Sunday N&O. Click here for convenient home delivery.