Fireballing Yankees right-hander Michael Pineda will start the season on the disabled list.
An MRI exam this morning revealed Pineda has tendinitis in his right shoulder.
“I’m a little sad, but that’s OK,” said Pineda, who did not know he had been placed on the DL. “I’ll be OK and I’m pitching this year. I’m coning back strong. I want everybody to see the real Michael Pineda.”
Pineda was acquired by trade from the Mariners in the offseason for slugger Jesus Montero. Pineda arrived in camp overweight, and his velocity was down during spring training.
“It was good news,” manager Joe Girardi said. “We’re very relieved because the rest of the MRI was good — [just a] little tendinitis.”
Girardi finalized the final spots in the rotation today. After ace CC Sabathia and No. 2 starter Hiroki Kuroda, Phil Hughes will pitch the third game of the season, followed by Ivan Nova and Freddy Garcia.
The team will be without reliever Cesar Cabral for an unknown period of time. The lefty had an MRI on his left elbow. The team did not disclose the specific injury, but it was described as more serious that Pineda’s. Cabral will begin the season on the DL and stay for longer than the required 15 days.
Pineda, who did not know he had been placed on the DL, said said he does not know when he will throw again.
“I’m feeling a little better, but it’s still sore,” he said. “I’ve had ice and taken medicine.