NEW YORK -- David Cone was scheduled to start for the New York Yankees on Friday night against Cleveland, returning to the rotation only a week and a half after dislocating his left shoulder.

	Cone

Under the watchful eye of manager Joe Torre, the right-handed Cone threw in the bullpen before Tuesday night's game against Toronto. After the session, both seemed pleased.

"I passed the test," Cone said.

Said Torre: "He's got a green light unless something comes up between now and then."

The remainder of Cone's year seemed to be in jeopardy Sept. 5 when he injured himself catching a popped-up bunt in Kansas City. He sprawled on the ground in pain, leading some to think his season of struggles was over.

Cone is 4-11 with a 6.16 ERA, including a stretch in which he went 15 starts without a victory. He had done better lately, going 3-1 before the injury.

During the weekend, Torre said he thought Cone might be ready to face the Indians at Yankee Stadium. At the time, Cone had shown an improved range of motion in his non-throwing shoulder.

Cone, 37, has excelled in the postseason in the past, though it's not certain whether the Yankees would give him a start this year with Roger Clemens, Andy Pettitte, Orlando Hernandez and Denny Neagle also in the rotation.