Boston ? Kevin Brown will return to the New York Yankees’ rotation today to start the series finale against the Boston Red Sox.

Brown has been out since breaking his non-pitching hand when he punched a clubhouse wall in frustration on Sept. 3. The right-hander threw in the bullpen Friday, wearing a glove but letting someone else catch the return throws.

Brown will pitch wearing a glove with extra padding. He practiced with it Saturday, taking grounders during pregame infield practice.

“I had no problem. It was kind of like the final hurdle,” he said. “I felt pretty confident that I’d be able to catch the ball and pitch. The good thing about this is I get a chance to get my feet wet before playoffs.”

Yankees manager Joe Torre said he hadn’t decided whether Brown would be in the playoff rotation. The Yankees entered Saturday night’s game with a 51/2-game lead over Boston in the AL East and have already clinched at least a wild-card spot.

“I don’t know how it’ll play out, but I’m in better condition. Right now, it’s about throwing,” said Brown, who should get two starts before the end of the regular season. “It is important. I’ve got to pitch pretty well for me to be a part of this team in the playoffs.”

Brown had surgery two days after punching the wall during a 3-1 loss to Baltimore that left the Yankees only 21/2 games ahead of the Red Sox. He had the pins removed from his hand on Thursday.