Yankees' Pineda takes path back from injury

Yankees' Pineda takes path back from injury

Paul Sancya/AP

New York Yankees starting pitcher Michael Pineda warms up against the Washington Nationals in the first inning of a spring training baseball game in Viera, Fla.

ST . PETERSBURG Michael Pineda began a throwing program Thursday, making 25 throws on flat ground while the Yankees worked out at Tropicana Field to prepare for Fridays opener.

Pineda, who had been shut down since complaining of soreness in his right shoulder after last Fridays start, reported no problems after his session, though it was unclear what the next step would be.

No worries, no problem, GM Brian Cashman said of the session. What he had was mild, at least by the MRI. It was hopefully nothing but a bump in the road. At the same time, you have to wait until hes back doing what hes supposed to be doing, so I give that with a little bit of a caveat.

The MRI was clean, which was great. It just showed some real small, mild tendinitis. Well get him going again as long as there are no issues and thats all it really was.

APRIL SHOWERS
The Yankees opening month includes plenty of challenges, as 15 of their 23 game s come against the Rays, Red Sox, Angels, Rangers and Tigers, five teams that figure to play a significant part in the American League pennant race this season.

You say you dont make too much out of one game and some months are going to be tougher than other months, Joe Girardi said. You dont want to make too much out of the first month, but its a great measuring stick of where were at.

Nine of those 15 games are on the road, as the Yankees visit Tampa Bay, Boston and Texas.

Obviously its a tough schedule on the front end, but hopefully people feel its tough to be playing us, too, Cashman said. Were certainly playing a lot of real talented teams, but that doesnt mean you can take a break against teams that arent talented, either.

NEW ADDITION
The Yankees claimed Cody Eppley, a 6-5 righthander, off waivers from the Rangers. Cashman said Eppley would provide depth in the bullpen at Triple-A, as hes effective aga inst righthanders. The Yankees 40-man roster is now full. Girardi said Eduardo Nunez would likely start Saturday, with either Derek Jeter or Alex Rodriguez serving as the DH against David Price.