Yankees Right-Hander Michael Pineda Ready For Big-League Return
TAMPA, Fla. (CBSNewYork/AP) — New York Yankees right-hander Michael Pineda sailed through his last spring training start Sunday before making his first big league appearance in two years.
Pineda, who missed the past two seasons following right shoulder surgery, gave up one earned run, three hits, three walks and struck out eight over six innings in a minor league intrasquad game. He is scheduled to start Saturday against the Blue Jays in Toronto.
"I'm so happy," a smiling Pineda said. "It's a beautiful day for me because I'm pitching my last game here, and I will go see the team right now. I feel really good. I had really good energy today."
Pineda spent most of the past two seasons rehabbing his shoulder at the Yankees' minor league complex in Tampa. He will join the Yankees, who broke camp Saturday, in Houston, where New York opens the regular season Tuesday night.
General manager Brian Cashman, manager Joe Girardi and pitching coach Larry Rothschild were all at Pineda's game.
"By his personality, you can tell he feels really good about where he's at," Cashman said.
Pineda allowed just two earned runs in 15 Grapefruit League innings, walking one and striking out 16.
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