New York Yankees Roster News: Michael Pineda Out Until September, Luis Severino Ready to Step Up
The New York Yankees will have to make adjustments to their rotation again after starting pitcher Michael Pineda was placed on the disabled list and is expected to sit out until September.
Pineda, who went 9-7 in his first 19 starts for the Yankees this season, was placed on 15-day DL after sustaining a right forearm strain, as confirmed by general manager Brian Cashman.
"We are not going to see him pitching in major league games in August," Cashman told reporters. "Obviously, September is when we plan to unleash him again at some point."
Pineda, who also missed the majority of last season due to suspension and injury, is having a solid season for the Yankees this year. In 19 starts, the 26-year-old pitcher threw 117 strikeouts in 118 innings.
Yankee Masahiro Tanaka, who was also placed on disabled list earlier in the season due to forearm and wrist issues, said that losing Pineda for the entire month is a big blow to their team, but the Japanese pitcher vowed to step up in order to solidify their playoff chances this season.
"Obviously, it's a big blow that we lost Pineda for a couple of weeks, but nothing changes for me," Tanaka said through an interpreter via New York Post. "I've got to go out there and still get my job done. I'll do my part, and the other starters will do their part, sort of hang in there until Pineda gets back."
With Pineda out, top pitching prospect Luis Severino will look to help the Yankees maintain their lead in the American League East standings. They are currently 5.5 games ahead of second-placed Toronto Blue Jays and 6.5 games ahead of third-placed Baltimore Orioles.
Severino will make his major league debut on Wednesday, when he starts against the Boston Red Sox at Yankee Stadium. According to New York Times, Severino, who is 21 years and 166 days old, will be the youngest pitching prospect to start in the major league this season.
Yankees pitching director Gil Patterson believes Severino is ready to step up for the Yankees starting Wednesday.
"You look at every level he's been to, and he pounds the strike zone," Patterson said. "When you're doing that, that means you have confidence. He's a young pitcher, but he's athletic, he's knowledgeable, he listens and he believes."
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