Injury Update : Michael Pineda Throws Bullpen Session

Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports

The Yankees could be getting some much need help for their rotation in a few weeks as Michael Pineda finally seems to be on track after throwing a 25-pitch bullpen session on Saturday without any setbacks.  Pineda has been out since April.  It all started with the whole “Pine Tar Gate” thing, when Pineda was caught with a glob of the stuff (pine tar) on his neck.  He was thrown out of the game and subsequently suspended for 10 games.

Pineda was hurt throwing a simulated game while rehabbing with the Tampa Yankees.  The injury was not suppose to be too severe,  but Pineda has sufferd a few setbacks to his back along the way.  This news of Pineda’s progress is a very bright spot for the Yankees, because last month there had been reports that he would need to be shut down for the rest of the year, and the Yankees are in desperate need of rotation help.

Manager Joe Girardi said he didn’t get any news on Pineda after the session, and that “no news is good news”.  Pineda threw 25 pitches, which included some breaking balls. Pineda’s next step will probably be throwing one or two more bullpen sessions and then throwing from a mound before starting his rehab assignment. If all goes well, Pineda should be up in three weeks to a month, as he is slated to return mid-August.