Michael Pineda was expected to return from his 10-game pine tar suspension next Monday and start in the Yankees’ three-game series opener at Angel Stadium. But that definitely won’t happen now.
According to MLB.com’s Bryan Hoch, Pineda suffered a teres major muscle strain Tuesday during a simulated game and will remain sidelined for the next 3-4 weeks. It’s a Grade 1 strain -- the least severe -- but the teres major muscle runs near the shoulder and Pineda did not appear in the majors in 2012 or 2013 because of a major shoulder injury.
In other words, he is not going to be rushed back.
Pineda had registered a 1.83 ERA, 1.017 WHIP, and 15/3 K/BB ratio through 19 2/3 innings (four starts) this season for the Yanks. David Phelps will now make that Monday start against the Angels.
