NEW YORK - The beleaguered New York Yankees pitching staff could get a boost next week from Jaret Wright, who has been on the disabled list since April 24 with a right shoulder strain.

Wright has been making progress working at the Yankees Tampa complex and manager Joe Torre said Wednesday that he could return to the team soon.

“He’s been sharp,” Torre said. “We’ve got to wait and see. Based on his last few starts, it’s tough not to want him here.”

Wright and Carl Pavano were high profile free agent signings for the Yankees last winter. Both have spent long stretches on the DL, Wright since the season’s first month and Pavano since July 7 with right shoulder tendinitis.

The Yankees were still awaiting test results on Pavano, who went to see Dr. James Andrews in Alabama. He hasn’t pitched since June 27, but rehabilitation apparently hasn’t helped much and the injury could be more serious than originally thought.

The Yankees have used a major league high 26 pitchers this season. Wright, Pavano and Kevin Brown (back), all part of the starting rotation when the season started, have spent long stretches on the disabled list. They were joined there by Chien-Ming Wang (right shoulder inflammation), one of the minor league callups, on July 13.

Torre said Wright might return and start as early as Monday when the Yankees play at Tampa.

Slide show: The Week in Sports Pictures   Oct. 3 - 9 Images from the baseball playoffs, NFL, college football, and more.

Meanwhile, Torre continues to piece together a rotation. With Randy Johnson shut down for at least one start because of back problems, the Yankees expect to start Scott Proctor in Thursday’s game against Texas.

“If we get through today without using Proctor, that’s who will pitch,” the manager said. “We’re looking at Randy for his regular turn on Tuesday.”

Proctor started 61 times in the minor leagues but has not started a game since 2002. He has appeared in 15 games for the Yankees this season, all in relief.