Michael Pineda set to make first rehab start
After being placed on the disabled list on July 30 due to a right forearm strain, New York Yankees starting pitcher Michael Pineda is set to make his first rehab start on Sunday in hopes of returning to the big league club in the near future.
Michael Pineda said he will start Sunday for the @TrentonThunder.
— Bryan Hoch (@BryanHoch) August 13, 2015
Pineda told reporters "felt 100 percent" after throwing his bullpen session. After the encouraging bullpen session, the team announced that Pineda will make his first rehab start on Sunday, pitching for the Trenton Thunder, the team's Double-A affiliate. In his first rehab start, Pineda will be limited to only 45 pitches. It is still unclear at this point as to how many rehab starts the right hander will need before returning to the big league club, but it appears as if the Yankees will make sure he's fully ready before rushing him back. As Pineda works to get back on a big league mound, it is possible that the right hander could need four or five rehab starts before returning. It is important that a starting pitcher who is rehabbing an injury gets stretched out during their rehab starts, so once they return they are able to go deep into ball games without any issues. This is very encouraging news for the Yankees, as they are hopeful that Pineda can make an impact as the team fights for a playoff spot. Before suffering the injury, the 26-year-old posted 9-7 record with a 3.97 ERA in 19 starts. Although he struggled before landing on the disabled list, Pineda has been one of the Yankees better pitchers this season, and having him in the rotation down the stretch would definitely be a benefit this Yankee team as they battle for the American East Division crown.