35 Michael Pineda, SP

Yankees starting pitcher Michael Pineda (shoulder) received rave reviews following a 51-pitch outing in an extended spring game Saturday, according to the New York Post. The Yankees are hopeful Pineda will pitch in two more extended-spring outings (Thursday, May 28) before beginning a rehab assignment.

Yankees pitcher Michael Pineda (shoulder) will throw four innings and 50 pitches at the team's spring training complex on Friday, according to The Star Ledger.

Pineda will need to build up more arm strength before embarking on a minor-league rehab assignment. Pineda could last the maximum 30 days once he starts his assignment. The team has yet to issue a concrete timetable for the 24-year-old.

"I expect him to pitch for us," manager Joe Girardi said. "We've said [he’ll be back] sometime during the summer. I know summer starts officially in about a month. But sometime in the summer, we expect him."

Yankees general manager Brian Cashman said Friday there is a plan for when pitcher Michael Pineda (shoulder) will begin a minor-league rehab assignment, ESPN.com reports. Cashman said once Pineda throws 65-70 pitches in back-to-back outings in extended spring training, he will likely advance to the next step with a possible return to New York in June.

Yankees rehabbing pitcher Michael Pineda (right shoulder surgery) will make another start during an extended spring training game next Monday, MLB.com reports Wednesday. 

Pineda's fastball was recently clocked in the mid-90s. He's been feeling good on the mound but the Yankees aren't sure how far away he is from a minor league rehab assignment at this time. 

"I don't know," Pineda said. "Not that long, because I'm feeling good, working hard and getting ready."

Since we haven't seen him since the 2011 season, it is easy to forget that Yankees starting Michael Pineda was downright dominant for long stretches of his rookie season, even earning an All-Star bid. He blew batters away with a mid-90's fastball and wipeout slider, and his impressive potential is still around at the tender age of 24.

Pineda is, of course, recovering from an incredibly risky torn rotator cuff that is very difficult to return from, so it makes sense that he is stashed in just 37 percent of CBSSports.com Fantasy leagues. Still, he has been pitching in extended spring training and hitting 95 on the radar gun, a good sign that he is making clear progress.

Our Scott White ranks Pineda as one of the 25 players currently on the disabled list most worthy of stashing in his Reality Check column, though he notes the inherent risk in relying on a player coming back from such a lengthy absence. Fantasy owners should approach Pineda like a bonus, as anything he gives you is nice, but if you're relying on him you could get badly burned. Once we hear a concrete timeline for his return, it will be easier for Fantasy owners to get an idea of his value. For now, he is worth holding on to if you have a spare DL spot, but could be worth jettisoning.