When the Yankees released their rotation versus the Boston Red Sox, neither CC Sabathia or Michael Pineda were listed as potential starters. Sabathia ended up being just fine, but Pineda’s season has likely come to an abrupt end due to a partial tear in his UCL.
Believe it or not, Yankees ace Masahiro Tanaka was diagnosed with a similar injury. However, Tanaka’s recommendation was rehab. Pineda’s recommendation is season ending surgery, which could effectively end his career in Yankees pinstripes.
Michael Pineda has partial tear of UCL. Will go on DL…tommy John surgery likely #yankees
— Meredith Marakovits (@M_Marakovits) July 14, 2017
This is the second year in a row the Yankees lost a pitcher in the middle of the season due to Tommy John surgery; Nathan Eovaldi went under the knife after tearing his UCL last season.
In the meantime, the Yankees are going to start Jordan Montgomery tonight, Luis Severino tomorrow, and Bryan Mitchell & Masahiro Tanaka for Sunday’s doubleheader. Brian Cashman suggested Chance Adams as a possible replacement for Pineda in the rotation, but in the meantime the Yankees are going to recall Luis Cessa for a spot start when the Yankees face the Minnesota Twins.
In 96.1 innings this season, Pineda went 8-4 with a 4.39 ERA. Pineda is slated to become a free agent after the 2017 season.
