TAMPA — Pitching has been the reason the Yankees have thrived into the middle of the season’s second month, even with Andy Pettitte, Ivan Nova and Joba Chamberlain on the disabled list.
There is the possibility the staff could get stronger if Michael Pineda continues to progress.
“He threw great, five innings and did very well,’’ general manager Brian Cashman said of the right-hander’s performance in an extended spring training game Thursday in Dunedin.
So, what’s up next for the 24-year-old, who missed all of last season after shoulder surgery?
“Another extended spring game where we get him to 75 pitches and then a [minor league] rehab start,’’ Cashman said.
If all goes well — and that isn’t a given because shoulder surgery is a greater risk than elbow surgery for a pitcher — the Yankees could be adding Pineda’s mid-90s fastball to their rotation in late July.
Pitchers’ rehab assignments are for 30 days (players’ are 21) and can be stopped for re-injury. According to the collective bargaining agreement, a pitcher or a player can negotiate less time, but so far none have.
On the same day Cashman received a glowing report from the people who watched Pineda pitch, catcher Jesus Montero was sent to the minors by the Mariners.
They were the headline names in the Jan. 23, 2012 deal between the Yankees and Mariners.
* On Wednesday night in Baltimore, manager Joe Girardi said he would be “shocked if [Hiroki Kuroda] couldn’t make his next start.” Kuroda left that night’s game with a bruised right calf in the third inning.
Thursday, when Kuroda was at the Yankees’ minor league complex for treatment, Cashman said the injury isn’t a source of worry.
“I talked to [trainer Steve Donohue] and he said he is fine,’’ Cashman said of the 38-year-old Kuroda, who has been the Yankees’ best starter this season. His next scheduled outing is Tuesday against the Mets at Citi Field. “Right now it’s not a concern.’’
* Andy Pettitte played catch at the minor league complex yesterday. The next test is for the veteran lefty, who is on the DL with a left trapezius muscle problem, is long-toss. Then it will be a bullpen session.
* The Yankees enter Friday night’s game against the Rays in St. Petersburg pitching very well with runners in scoring position.
During the Yankees’ last 18 games, in which they are 11-7, their pitchers have held hitters to a .154 (18-for-117) average in the clutch.
For the season, the Yankees and Pirates are tied for the lowest average (.204). The major league average is .257.
* Alex Rodriguez fielded ground balls at third and hit in the batting cage yesterday at the minor league complex. Eduardo Nunez took ground balls at short.