Right-hander Michael Pineda made a big step in his recovery from major shoulder surgery this week by throwing off a half-mound with no problems. Since November, Pineda was only permitted to toss on flat ground.
Pineda, 24, was the major piece in the Jesus Montero trade last winter. An All-Star in 2011, going 9-10 with a 3.74 ERA for the Seattle Mariners, Pineda missed the whole 2012 season after being diagnosed with a torn labrum last spring. He was healthy at the time of the trade, but his velocity was down significantly in camp so he was shut down indefinitely.
GM Brian Cashman hopes that Pineda will be able to help out the club sometime in June or July. However, the organization is taking a wait and see approach, due to the fact that shoulder surgeries are very tricky and Pineda could suffer unforeseen setbacks during his rehab process.
