TAMPA — Michael Pineda hasn’t pitched in the majors since September 2011.
Since then, he was traded from Seattle to the Yankees, showed up overweight, had shoulder surgery and become a cautionary tale about young pitchers.
He’s hoping that narrative changes this year as he battles for a spot in the Yankees rotation, insisting he is healthy and in shape.
“I’m going to compete for the rotation,” Pineda said. “I’m the same Michael Pineda. I’m 100 percent now and my body is in good shape.”
If that’s the case, he has as good a shot as anyone of winning the final slot behind CC Sabathia, Hiroki Kuroda, Masahiro Tanaka and Ivan Nova.
When asked Monday if he considered himself the favorite in a contest that figures to also include David Phelps, Adam Warren and Vidal Nuno, Pineda declined to handicap it.
“I don’t know,” Pineda said as he was leaving the team’s minor league complex. “I’m not really paying attention [to whether] I’m the favorite or not. I’m focused on my job and doing good and making it through spring training.”
And despite his promise he was the “same Michael Pineda,” it’s likely not true, because he isn’t expected to regain the high-90s fastball he had during his rookie season with the Mariners.
Nevertheless, the Yankees will take their chances with a healthy, in-shape Pineda, who is 25.
“I know I had the surgery and the injury to my shoulder, but I’m feeling stronger and the shoulder is feeling good,” said Pineda, adding he was down to 260 pounds.
“That’s what I want to be,” Pineda said. “A couple of years ago, I gained a little weight.”
His definition of “a little weight” is almost certainly different than the Yankees.
Now, Pineda is trying to restart his career. Both he and Jesus Montero have been wildly unproductive since being swapped for each other in what seemed like a blockbuster trade after the 2011 season. The first step was showing up to camp early.
“That was very important,” said Pineda, who has thrown bullpen sessions for pitching coach Larry Rothschild. “I want to be ready for spring training.”
That’s something that hasn’t happened since he has been a Yankee.
“It’s been hard for me because I was traded and I was excited to pitch in New York,” Pineda said. “Then with the surgery and not pitching for two years, it’s hard.”
He is optimistic that is all in the past.
“In 2012, when the Yankees made the playoffs, I wanted to be there and last year, too, I was sad because I want to pitch,” Pineda said. “Right now it’s over. Hopefully the team is in the playoffs and I pitch in the World Series.”