The New York Yankees will activate right-hander David Aarsdma from the disabled list Tuesday, putting the reliever on an active major-league roster for the first time in nearly two years. The former Mariners closer -- who last pitched in the big leagues on September 19, 2010 -- has toiled through both hip labrum and Tommy John surgeries to return to the mound, and is thrilled to pitch again, per MLB.com:

"When I first got hurt in 2010, it was devastating," Aardsma said. "I didn't know how to take it. It was the first time I'd really been hurt. Trying to come back, I was having little setbacks, other injuries happen.

"It's an amazing feeling to be back in here and knowing that very soon I'll be back on a mound again."

The Yankees signed the 30-year-old Aardsma to a one-year, $500,000 contract in February with the hopes that the veteran would be healthy enough to pitch by July. Setbacks in his recovery from Tommy John postponed his return, but a recent rehab stint in Rookie League and Single-A -- where Aardsma put up a 2.70 earned-run average in 6⅔ innings -- went off without a hitch.

It is unlikely the Yankees will throw Aardsma immediately into high leverage situations, but he will at least help relieve pressure off a likely tired Bronx bullpen. If the right-hander pitches well, he could return on a club option for 2013.