Former Yankees first round pick Eric Milton has returned to the club, thanks to a minor league deal, reports Ed Price.

Milton is at least six weeks away from contributing anything, thanks to Tommy John surgery. Back in 1998, he was traded to the Twins in a prospect package to acquire Chuck Knoblauch.

Cashman indicated to Price that part of the motivation behind the signing is to be able to see what Milton might be able to offer the team in 2009.