Pineda set to test shoulder in bullpen session

NEW YORK -- It's a small step, but it's progress nonetheless. Michael Pineda will throw a 25-pitch bullpen session on Sunday, testing the injured right shoulder that sent him to the disabled list.

Pineda has gone 2-2 with a 1.83 ERA in four starts this season and hasn't pitched since April 23, when he was ejected for using excess pine tar against the Red Sox. Pineda had shoulder surgery in 2012 and missed time with soreness last season, giving the Yankees reason to be cautious.

Now, three weeks removed from his last start, Pineda is ready to make the next step toward recovery. The youngster has rested and strengthened his arm, and now he's ready to take the ball.

"That's really encouraging," said manager Joe Girardi. "It's a good sign that we've gotten to this point and he's ready to throw a bullpen. Obviously, as the intensity heats up a little bit, you pay attention to how he's doing. So far, no setbacks and he's doing well."

The Yankees also have reliever Shawn Kelley on the disabled list with a back injury, and Girardi said that the right-hander should be ready to play catch as early as Monday. Kelley went on the disabled list Wednesday and won't be eligible to return to the active roster until May 28.