One of the biggest mysteries on a few different levels this season has been Michael Pineda. From his pine tar debacle, to multiple setbacks from his shoulder injury back in late April have kept people wary about any potential return this year or even his status as Yankee going forward.
Now for what seems like the third or fourth stab at making a comeback Pineda has actually been progressing, or at least that’s what we are being told. Pineda threw a live batting practice seasion on Sunday, he faced a handful of batters and got through it without issue. Today will be more of a test, according Bryan Hoch, he is scheduled to throw about two innings or 30 pitches in a simulated game this morning at the Yankees Tampa complex. Assuming that goes well and there are no further setbacks, the next step will probably be actual rehab games for Pineda.
The team has been not put an actual set timetable on when we can expect him to return, but manager Joe Girardi has said a possible mid August return is what they are shooting for. With that being said I’m still reluctant to believe anything regarding Pineda. Until I’m able to see him pitch with my own two eyes, he will continue to be a mystery. We’ve seen him down this road before, he throws a few bullpen sessions and a sim game, then a few days later we hear that he’s has another MRI and gets shutdown again. But this time though club officials are confident Pineda will be back this time around. Might be reassuring for some of us, but not for me.
But if Pineda does have another setback, the team will probably have no other choice but to shut him down for the season, and he will be one step closer to looking like Carl Pavano 2.0. Time will tell though, and if by chance he does make it back this year, it could be the big boost the team is looking for. We know the trade market for pitching will be very expensive if GM Brian Cashman attempts to go after even a mid-level arm, so getting Pineda back would be just as good as any trade at this point. With Masahiro Tanaka possibly down for the count, Pineda will needed more than ever if the Yankees are going to make the serious postseason push. Best thing I can say about the whole Pineda situation, keep your fingers crossed.
