NEW YORK -- Yankees right-handed reliever Branden Pinder, who is currently on the 15-day disabled list with a partial tear of the ulnar collateral ligament in his pitching elbow, will see orthopedic surgeon Dr. James Andrews this week for a second opinion on his injury, the team announced on Sunday.
Manager Joe Girardi said after New York's 8-1 loss to the Rays at Yankee Stadium that he believes Pinder is more likely to opt for Tommy John surgery, rather than attempt to rehab the UCL tear and hope it heals on its own.
"I think he's probably leaning toward surgery, but I think he'll get Dr. Andrews' opinion before he really makes a decision," Girardi said.
Pinder has pitched in one game for the Yankees this season, throwing an inning and allowing two runs against the A's on April 20. He felt the initial soreness in his elbow after pitching in that game.