Michael Kay Nearing Return to Yankees Broadcast Booth as Bob Costas Set to Make Cameo on YES Network

After John Sterling's glorious return to the radio booth set the stage, the other Yankees broadcasting icon who's missed time is on the verge of returning.

And he'll have some high-profile help in an attempt at load management.

Per sources, Michael Kay's recovery from surgery to remove a nodule from his vocal cords may crest this week if he receives good news from a doctor's visit on Wednesday. Kay could be back to TV duties with the YES network as soon as Friday, but will get a boost due to heavy workload on Saturday, with none other than Bob Costas taking over play-by-play duties for one half of the team's doubleheader with Boston.

Costas will already be in the neighborhood, calling Friday's Yankees-Sox tilt for MLB Network, and has been bandying about potential dates for a Yanks union ever since Kay's medical issues began, per John Filippelli, YES' president of programming.

“This is like an innings limit to me,” Filippelli told the New York Post regarding Kay's recovery. “We need to manage this, as does ESPN Radio. Michael’s health is our top priority.”

Costas' surprise appearance will certainly bring a jolt to the booth, though Yankee fans can hardly complain about what they've heard in Kay's absence; Ryan Ruocco has picked up the yeoman's share of the duties and has done a spectacular job, his reputation cresting with his exemplary call on Aaron Hicks' game-saving catch against the Twins this past week.