Yankees pitcher Michael Pineda has torn UCL, Tommy John elbow surgery likely
New York Yankees pitcher Michael Pineda has been diagnosed with a partial tear of the ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow, general manager Brian Cashman announced on Friday.
The right-hander will seek a second opinion, but season-ending Tommy John elbow surgery has already been recommended.
Pineda, 28,was 8-4 with a 4.39 ERA in 17 starts for the Yankees this season, with 92 strikeouts in 96 1/3 innings. He had struggled his past seven starts, posting a 6.14 ERA.
Pineda, who has been with the Yankees since 2014, is just two and a half months from reaching free agency.
Bryan Mitchell will replace Pineda in the rotation and start the first game of Sunday’s day-night doubleheader against Boston.
Additionally, Cashman said the Yankees will call up right-handed hitting first baseman Garrett Cooper, who will make his big-league debut Friday night at Fenway Park. Designated hitter Matt Holliday (viral infection) will also be activated from the 10-day disabled list and is expected to start Friday night.
Contributing: Pete Caldera