PLAYING TIME: Could Pineda, Nova be headed to the minors?
Mar 30 2012
AMERICAN LEAGUE
Could Pineda or Nova be headed for minor leagues?
Manager Joe Girardi's recent remarks that the loser in the starting rotation competition is not guaranteed a bullpen spot merely added fuel to recent media speculation that off-season acquisition Michael Pineda (RHP, NYY) might begin the season in Triple-A. While Pineda's 2011 skills, including 100 BPV and 3.41 xERA, clearly rank him as one of NYY's top rotation options, he reported to spring training overweight and has shown less velocity than during his rookie season. Pineda is now reportedly reduced to battling Iván Nova (RHP, NYY), coming off a 16-win season, for the fifth starter spot.
Darkhorse candidate Phil Hughes (RHP, NYY) has apparently secured a...
Almost!
You’re just a few clicks away from accessing this feature and hundreds more throughout the year that have a singular goal in mind: Winning your league. Subscribe to BaseballHQ.com here!
Already a subscriber? Sign in here
More From PT Today
Daulton Varsho and Willson Contreras will miss the remainder of the regular season. Luis Arraez may be in the same boat. All covered in our final 2026 edition of Playing Time Today...
Sep 25 2026 7:23am
Sep 25 2026 7:23am
Shohei Ohtani makes it back for LA, as they option out top prospect De Paula. Plus season-sending injuries to Samuel Basallo, Cristian Javier and Brice Matthews.
Sep 24 2026 8:29am
Sep 24 2026 8:29am
Ceddanne Rafaela will use this week to get into playoff shape; Jazz Chisholm as well. Plus Devin Williams returns; will he get a saves shot in NY?
Sep 23 2026 9:15am
Sep 23 2026 9:15am
Alex Bregman will miss the final week but try to return for the playoffs; Tigers shut down Melton and Keith; injury parade continues in San Francisco...
Sep 22 2026 8:14am
Sep 22 2026 8:14am
Trey Yesavage will rejoin the Rays rotation; Quantrill exits in Texas, some bullpen shakeup in Philadelphia, and more.
Sep 21 2026 8:28am
Sep 21 2026 8:28am
