BOSTON -- The New York Yankees got good news about David Cone: Manager Joe Torre expects the injured pitcher to return to the rotation next Friday after missing one start.

Cone's range of motion in his left shoulder was improved, Torre said before Friday night's game against the Boston Red Sox. Cone separated the shoulder Tuesday diving for a popped-up bunt in Kansas City.

"It's great news for Conie, for sure, and us, too," Torre said of the report from Dr. Stuart Hershon, the team physician.

Center fielder Bernie Williams missed his fourth straight game with a strained right rib cage and Torre said Williams probably wouldn't play this weekend.

Cone is expected to rejoin the Yankees on Saturday and be replaced on the mound Sunday by rookie Randy Keisler. Cone will have a workout Tuesday with an eye toward starting next Friday at home against Cleveland, Torre said.

"If everything goes well, he'll probably take his next turn on Friday," Torre said.

Cone had gone 15 games without a win before winning three of his last four decisions. He was 4-11 with a 6.16 ERA when he was injured.

An MRI taken Wednesday showed "minimal bruising, better than I thought," Cone said.

Despite the loss of Cone, Torre said the Yankees' starting pitching "is probably as good as it's ever been in the time I've been here." New York won three World Series in his four previous seasons as manager.

Roger Clemens started Friday night's game with a 7-0 record since June 9, Andy Pettitte is 17-7, and Denny Neagle allowed one run in eight innings in the Yankees' 7-3 win at Kansas City on Thursday night.

Keisler, a lefty, is scheduled to make his major league debut after going 14-5 with a 2.89 ERA this season with Triple-A Columbus and Double-A Norwich. Torre expects him to handle the pressure of his first major league start, coming in Fenway Park against the Yankees' top rival.

"The fact that he's excited about it, he's not trying to hide that fact and I think that's a good sign," Torre said.

Williams was batting .309 with 28 homers and 111 RBIs when he was sidelined.

"He was able to throw. He was able to run around. But (the injury) is still there," Torre said. "You just have to be very careful."

Clay Bellinger replaced him in center field and batted ninth Friday.