The Yankees have placed reliever Rafael Soriano on the disabled list with lingering stiffness and soreness in his pitching elbow. The move was made retroactive to May 14. 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. He 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."