Getting closer, Pineda's next start set for Sunday

NEW YORK -- Michael Pineda's next Minor League rehabilitation outing will come on Sunday for Double-A Trenton at Binghamton, Yankees general manager Brian Cashman said.

Pineda threw six scoreless innings on Tuesday for Trenton against Erie, throwing 78 pitches. He allowed two hits and two walks while striking out four.

"I was watching the tape, and you can see the movement on his fastball," Yankees manager Joe Girardi said. "His slider looked pretty good, his changeup looked pretty good."

Pineda, 24, is coming back from right labrum surgery following an injury sustained last spring. In three official Minor League starts, two with Class A Advanced Tampa, Pineda has allowed three runs (one earned) in 14 1/3 combined innings, allowing nine hits with four walks and 11 strikeouts.

A 2011 American League All-Star with Seattle, Pineda has not yet pitched for the Yankees at the big league level, but his debut finally appears to be in sight.

"I'm very excited," Pineda said after Tuesday's start. "I've never pitched at Yankee Stadium. I'm working hard and will be ready to pitch there."