Lat strain forces Michael Pineda from simulated start, may sideline him further

Michael Pineda suffered a strain of his right lat during a simulated start on Tuesday. (Kathy Willens/AP) Michael Pineda is already on the sidelines due to a

Michael Pineda suffered a strain of his right lat during a simulated start on Tuesday. (Kathy Willens/AP)

Michael Pineda is already on the sidelines due to a 10-game suspension for using pine tar during a start last week against the Boston Red Sox, but now it would seem the 25-year-old may be in danger of missing additional time. After throwing a bullpen session with the team on Sunday, the Yankees had Pineda head down to their extended spring training complex in Tampa in order to pitch in a simulated game on Tuesday, likely an effort to keep him throwing and in shape for his return to the rotation. However, as the New York Post’s Joel Sherman reports, Pineda only made it through one inning of work before being pulled from the simulated outing with a lat strain. He is expected to undergo an MRI exam to evaluate the extent of the injury.

Pineda's next start for New York had initially been planned for May 5, but it now appears as though that outing could be in jeopardy with this latest development. Joe Girardi has already confirmed to reporters that David Phelps will likely remain in the starting rotation should Pineda be unable to take the mound.

Having missed his entire first two seasons with the Yankees due to shoulder surgery, Pineda had gotten off to a torrid start to the 2014 season. Through his first four starts, he’d thrown a total of 19 2/3 innings, allowing just four earned runs and three walks while striking out fifteen. However, his last start ended early after he was ejected for having pine tar on his neck, an offense that earned him a suspension.

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