Yankees' Pineda hits DL with partially torn UCL, could be facing Tommy John surgery

Tommy John surgery has been recommended, but Pineda will seek a second opinion

Entering the week, the expectation around baseball was that if the New York Yankees were going to make a trade before the July 31 deadline, they would do so in order to acquire some rotation help. On Friday, the Yankees received greater motivation to make such a move.

That's because Michael Pineda has been diagnosed with a partially torn ulnar collateral ligament, and could well undergo Tommy John surgery in the coming days, depending on a second opinion: 

Cashman said Pineda has been diagnosed w/ partial tear of UCL in right elbow and will go on the DL. Will get 2d opinion. Reco is TJ surgery.

— Jack Curry (@JackCurryYES) July 14, 2017

It's a particularly rough break for Pineda, who will qualify for free agency at year's end. He'd posted a 4.39 ERA (104 ERA+) and 4.38 strikeout-to-walk ratio over 17 starts, all the while continuing to frustrate with his trademark home-run problems.

The Yankees could turn to prospect Chance Adams to fill out their rotation. For now, though, the plan appears to involve Bryan Mitchell and Luis Cessa:

Cashman said Chance Adams "could be" an option to join rotation. For now, Yanks are using Mitchell in Sunday DH and will add Cessa vs Minn.

— Jack Curry (@JackCurryYES) July 14, 2017

The Yankees enter the second half 45-41 and in possession of a Wild Card spot.