Quick Hit: Michael Pineda Returns To Mound Tonight

Michael Pineda will finally return to the mound today as he makes his first minor league rehab assignment start for the Scranton Wilkes Barre RailRiders. Pineda has been out for most of this season with a strained teres major muscle in his back and shoulder and has a setback sprinkled in as well to remember. Pineda is expected to throw around 60-65 pitches in this start.

Pineda is expecting to add 15-20 pitches in his next start and then will face the decision of whether to come to the Bronx or not. Manager Joe Girardi has mentioned wanting Pineda to be at at least 90 pitches before returning to the major leagues so barring any complications or set backs Pineda could be two or three minor league starts from being back with the big club.