Pineda Finally Feeling Good

Despite the tough loss to division rival Boston Saturday night, the Yankees did receive some good news: Michael Pineda finally threw without pain. According to Brendan Kuty of NJ.com, the righty threw 25 throws from 60 feet on Saturday and reportedly did not feel any pain or discomfort. Pineda has been out since May 6, with what was described as a strained back muscle. He initially injured himself throwing a bullpen while he was serving a 10 game suspension for his little pine tar incident.

Pineda originally started on the 15 day disabled list but was later moved to the 60 day disabled list when he was still encountering problems while throwing. With two setbacks already where he had to be shut down for 10 and then 20 days, Pineda has started to become an afterthought.

Headed into the season, the Yankees did not have high expectations for Pineda other than winning the fifth starter spot. After a great start where he showed what he was capable of, the Yankees are sorely missing him in the rotation. His absence has forced the Yankees to stick with David Phelps and Vidal Nuno until they can come up with a more productive solution for the back end of the rotation.