Ugh.

NEW YORK – Brett Gardner has suffered yet another setback in his rehab from a strained right elbow, casting doubt about his return to the Yankees this season.

The speedy outfielder awoke Monday with soreness in the elbow. He had restarted his baseball rehab on Sunday with four at-bats in a simulated game.

“It’s a concern because it’s happened before,” manager Joe Girardi said on Monday afternoon. “But we’ll have to wait and see.”

Twice before, Gardner was forced to shut down minor league rehab stints. He initially hurt the elbow while making a diving catch on April 17 against Minnesota.

After his last rehab stint was halted, Gardner, 28, was given additional rest. He was also examined Dr. James Andrews a month ago.

“It is puzzling,” Girardi said. “We expected that he’d get through this and our hope is still that he’ll get through this.”

He is scheduled to have another MRI tomorrow.

And in other injury news, Alex Rodriguez will be the DH tonight after complaining of a stiff neck after batting practice. Eric Chavez who was to be the DH will play third base.