It’s hard to keep track of all the players on the DL for the Yankees as of late, but we here at Bronx Pinstripes got you covered. Here is the latest news on all the battered and bruised Bombers.
Derek Jeter has been facing live pitching, fielding grounders and running the bases. He should be cleared for rehab assignments soon and could be back in pinstripes after the All-Star break. The Captain has remained optimistic throughout this whole ordeal and says “from what I understand, I don’t have to see the doctor anymore, unless it’s something they want to do.”
Curtis Granderson’s range of motion has improved in the week since the pin was removed from his left hand, but still is not able to swing a bat. Grandy said Thursday that the bone is fully healed but ligaments and tendons still are not at full strength. In addition to conditioning work, he has been able to throw a baseball, but he is still not permitted to catch one yet.
Michael Pineda‘s rehab assignment expires on July 9th and the Yankees will likely start him in the Minors to build his pitch count up to 100. Girardi still views him as a starter, not a reliever. When asked if Pineda would join the team after his rehab expires Girardi said, “that’s not something that we’ve really talked about. I haven’t had a chance to watch him. It’s more up to Brian and we’ll talk to the guys and see if there’s a way he can help us.” According to one scout, Pineda’s fastball ranged from 90-95 mph, sitting mostly around 92. The scout said Pineda fell behind too many hitters, was inconsistent with his fastball command, throwing “flat” fastballs that got very few swings and misses, exhibiting a “sluggish” demeanor on the mound.
Francisco Cervelli took batting practice for the first time yesterday since fracturing his hand in May. He is close to being cleared for rehab games and should rejoin the team around the All-Star break.
Eduardo Nunez only got one at bat in a rehab outing for Single-A Tampa on Sunday due to rain, Girardi added that “it would take him a while to get up to nine innings, but he is doing better.”
Alex Rodriquez has been cleared to start rehab games and should go at least 3 innings Tuesday at third base with single A Charleston, weather permitting.
