Slideshow: How Does The Yankees’ Health Control 2015?

Sep 28, 2014; Boston, MA, USA; New York Yankees pitcher Michael Pineda (35) walks off the mound after being relieved during the seventh inning against the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports

Michael Pineda has all of the right stuff to be successful if his shoulder will allow it.

The Yankees traded their then can’t miss prospect Jesus Montero for Michael Pineda prior to the 2012 season. Pineda was coming off a stellar rooking campaign in 2011. He was voted into the All-Star game for his dominant first half with the Seattle Mariners.

However, he never showed the same promise in pinstripes and that is because of a nagging shoulder injury. Pineda drew concerns when he reported to his first Spring camp with the Yankees overweight and the worst case scenario happened when he tore his labrum.

Since his injury Pineda has not reached his 2011 form and has failed to put together an injury free season. He finally did pitch for the Yankees last season but only started 13 games because he irritated that same shoulder injury and also served a pine tar suspension.

There has never been a question about Pineda’s stuff because when he is able to use it, it is electric. He boasted a 1.89 ERA and 59 strike outs in 76.1 innings pitched.

Pineda, like Teixeira, set the bar high for this season and is aiming to throw over 200 innings. It would be a huge contribution if he came near that number because of the numerous concerns for the Yankees rotation. If Pineda steps up and steps into the number two spot behind Tanaka, then the Yankees can do some damage.