June 11, 2013
by: Ben Embry
As spring gives way to summer and divisional races begin to take shape, teams start to look toward either the trade market or their farm system for difference makers to enhance their rosters. New York has successfully promoted guys like Preston Claiborne and found several working pieces from other teams such as Reid Brignac...ok, I know that was a stretch. But anyways, while the biggest boost of the season will come from the plethora of injured all-stars on the DL, there is one prospect playing in the minors right now that could be a huge help this year. It's not Gary Sanchez or Mason Williams or Tyler Austin...those guys are still a couple years away. No, the best prospect in the farm system and the one closest to the majors is Michael Pineda.
Anybody remember him? The guy we traded for 17 months ago and was supposed to be our #2 starter yet still hasn't thrown a pitch wearing pinstripes yet? Yeah, he's close to returning to the bigs and debuting for the Yankees. But do we know what to expect? And how will team management treat him: like a key member of the staff returning from injury or a prospect who's finally knocking on the big club's door?
According to River Ave. Blues, Pineda allowed two hits in 4.1 scoreless innings in his first rehab start. He struck out four and walked one. He was on a 65-70 pitch limit. His fastball reached 95 MPH while sitting at 92-93 early, 90-91 late. The 30-day rehab window is officially underway and will expire on Monday, June 8th. It all sounds encouraging, but like any good prospect, there are no guarantees. We simply won't know what to expect until he gets here if he gets here at all.
Personally, at the very least it sounds like he could make some spot starts as injuries inevitably take their toll. But the question is, what if he makes it through this next month and flashes the stuff that made him an All-Star in Seattle? Should room be made for him in the rotation? Without injuries to make the decision for them, who should the Yankees remove? The candidates are obvious: Hughes and Phelps. David has had the better season statistically but Phil is the more gifted pitcher and he's just months from free agency. I would move Phelps to the pen as I think Hughes gives us a better chance to win going forward.
Optimistic that Pineda will contribute to this team in 2013 and the future increases daily. Note that's a fairly mild statement, because it was intended to be. Expectations after the trade was that he would be an All-Star like he had been for the Mariners. Then he struggles in Spring Training. So maybe he'll just be a mid to back-end rotation guy...then we find out he has a significant shoulder injury that will keep him out at least a year. Suddenly you think he may never pitch for the Yankees. If he gives this team anything, that's a bonus in my opinion. And if he even so much as becomes a regular starter, that's worth rejoicing.
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