Despite being acquired during the offseason of 2011-12, neither Michael Pineda nor Cesar Cabral have ever thrown a regular season pitch for the New York Yankees. Pineda, who was acquired from the Seattle Mariners, went down with a torn labrum in his pitching shoulder, and Cabral, who was a Rule V selection, was unable to fight through a stress fracture in his elbow.
On Tuesday, both players took a big step in their attempts to return from injury. Pineda and Cabral each threw 35 pitch bullpen sessions at the Yankees’ complex. For both pitchers, it was their first time mixing in sliders off a mound since their injuries.
Pineda was quite upbeat after the bullpen session, and was especially happy with his slider. “My slider is great,” he said. “It was my best pitch today.” Cabral indicated satisfaction with his bullpen session as well.
Because Cabral is a relief pitcher, he is closer to returning to game action than Pineda. The Yankees are hoping that Cabral can help them as soon as May, while Pineda may not make his debut in the Bronx until June.
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