Righty Michael Pineda threw a successful bullpen yesterday, the longest since beginning rehab on his surgically repaired right shoulder, according to the YES Network.
Pineda, 24, incorporated sliders into the mound session for the first time and called it his best pitch of the day. This represents a big step in a tough road to recovery for the young pitcher, who was acquired in the Jesus Montero trade in the 2011-12 offseason.
Pineda projects to be a top of the rotation guy. In his first and only year in the majors in 2011, at the young age of 22, he started the all-star game for American League. He finished that year going 9-10 with a 3.74 ERA. After tearing his labrum in Spring Training camp with the Yankees, Pineda was shelved for all of 2012.
Due back possibly as early as June, Pineda would provide a major boost to the Yankees pitching depth if healthy.
