TAMPA — Michael Pineda’s first Yankees camp in 2012 is remembered for him reporting overweight and suffering a shoulder injury that kept him out of the big leagues until 2014.
Four years later, the right-hander has breezed through the early workouts, providing hope the potential in the 6-foot-7, 260-pound right hander is about to transform into a consistent talent.
“Michael, when he is at the top of the game, he is extremely impressive, and everything I have seen from Michael so far in camp … I thought he came in extremely well prepared to get off to a good start and pitch well,’’ manager Joe Girardi said. “And that’s what I have seen. His stuff looked good today.’’
Pineda has been a Yankee for four years and has spent time on the disabled list in each season. He was 12-10 with a 4.37 ERA in 27 starts last year.
“For late February he looked extremely sharp,’’ Alex Rodriguez said. “One of the remarkable things about a guy that is that large he has such fine control of the strike zone.’’
Brett Gardner did everything but hit Friday. He said he expects to repeat the tee and toss drills Saturday at George M. Steinbrenner Field.
The Yankees are being careful because Gardner’s bruised left wrist is not completely healed from an injury that has dogged him since October.
Unlike last year, Yankees managing general partner Hal Steinbrenner chose not to participate in Girardi’s annual spring training meeting with the team, which took place Friday afternoon.
Right-hander Domingo German, who didn’t pitch last season because of Tommy John surgery, walked off a bullpen mound Friday.
German was spotted in the clubhouse with a bulky brace on his elbow and later underwent an MRI exam. German is in camp on a minor league contract.
Third baseman Chase Headley worked on his footwork during an extra session with Jody Reed, the Yankees’ minor league field coordinator.
Training Day
Pin’ the zone
Michael Pineda threw live batting practice and was impressive. Arguably he is in his best shape as a Yankee.
Short circuit
Pitcher Domingo German cut a bullpen session short due to a right elbow problem and headed for an MRI exam.
Caught my eye
Aaron Judge put on a power show that included a towering home run over the 40-foot scoreboard in left-center.
Today’s schedule
Third full-squad workout of the spring with live batting practice that is constructed more for the pitchers than hitters.