Yankees Pitcher Michael Pineda Ends Season, Heads To Surgery

New York Yankees pitcher Michael Pineda will undergo surgery to repair a labrum tear in his right shoulder, an injury that will end his 2012 MLB season.

The surgery will be performed by team physician Dr. David Altchek at the Hospital for Special Surgery in Manhattan.

Recovering from the surgery is expected to take 12 months if no rehabilitation setbacks are observed which would put Pineda back into the teams rotation in May 2013 at the earliest.

Traded to the New York Yankees in the offseason in exchange for Jesus Montero, the young 23-year-old pitcher left the Seattle Mariners only to suffer from a diminished fastball all spring. Pineda was eventually placed on the disabled list after complaining of pain and weakness in his right shoulder during his last preseason appearance on March 30.

Speaking of the Michael Pineda loss Yankees manager Joe Girardi said:

“For this year, it’s a loss. He was a guy that we were counting on this year. We traded for him, but unfortunately, he’s hurt. We’re going to have to get him back at some point next year.”

Girardi added:

“I’m optimistic he’s gonna be back. He’s young and he’s strong. But I can’t tell you exactly when. I know that Dr. Ahmad said, what, 12 months? That’s if things go right. Sometimes in rehabs you have little setbacks.”

During his rookie year with the Seattle Mariners Michael Pineda was 9-10 with a 3.74 ERA. Pineda’s performance notably slowed after the All-Star break.

In the meantime Andy Pettitte made his Double-A Trenton start on the same day Pinedo announced the end of his season. Pettitte is attempting to make a major league comeback after a one-year hiatus from the Bigs.