Will Michael Pineda be in Yankees Rotation?

Everyone thought that the New York Yankees pulled off something of a coup this offseason when they traded for a promising pitcher named Michael Pineda from the Seattle Mariners. Pineda was white hot for the Mariners for most of last season before tailing off towards the end. Still, the Yankees acquired the 23-year old in exchange for catcher Jesus Montero, who sucks at catching.


After getting rid of A.J. Burnett (thank god), Pineda was penciled in towards the middle of the rotation. But now, he may be penciled out, according to Andrew Marchand of ESPNNewYork.com.


“To answer some questions: I think there is a better chance than not that Pineda is in rotation, but it is not certain yet,” Marchand tweets.


Yikes! The Yankees haven’t made a big deal about it, but apparently his velocity is down. Some are speculating that he may begin the season in the minors to get himself right.


If that’s the case, this is not what the Yankees envisioned when they made the move. But, if a stint in the minors is what he needs and he comes back to early-2011 form, then all will be right with the world.