Pineda to make rehab start on Sunday

CLEVELAND -- Yankees righty Michael Pineda is scheduled to make his first Minor League rehab start on Sunday for Double-A Trenton, aiming to rejoin the big league rotation before Sept. 1.

Pineda said that he threw about 30 pitches in a bullpen session on Thursday at Progressive Field, using fastballs, changeups and sliders. He is scheduled to toss approximately 45 pitches in Sunday's outing vs. Reading.

"I'm excited," Pineda said. "I'm working so hard to come back as soon as I can and help my team."

Pineda has been on the disabled list since July 30 with a right flexor forearm muscle strain, and the Yanks initially said not to expect him back this month. Girardi said that he was not sure if Pineda could return to the big leagues after just the one Minor League start.

"That's something I think you talk about," Girardi said. "He hasn't been off that long. Sometimes need determines things, too."

Pineda is 9-7 with a 3.97 ERA in 19 starts, and the righty said that he was not surprised to be making quick progress.

"I know I don't feel that bad," Pineda said. "I feel something in my forearm, but it's not that bad, you know what I mean? I'm working so hard for my body and keep it strong, and now I'm feeling good."