BIG NEWS FOR HUGHES & PINEDA

Big news out of Yankeeland.  The Associated Press has reported Phil Hughes threw a bullpen session and threw around 27 pitches. Read more about it HERE.

That's good to hear. With the injuries that have plagued the Bombers this Spring Training down in Tampa, here's the good part of this story, Hughes is said to be pain free in his upper back. Hughes was diagnosed with a bulging disk 3 weeks ago, and was scratched from all Spring Training games in the end.

He is scheduled to throw batting practice this week, and if that goes well he will work in a simulated game. Progress out of Yankees Camp, I like that. Barring any setbacks, Hughes also hopes to be in the mix for Opening Week. Let's hope so, and keep it going Phil. We hope for a big year out of you.

And speaking of hope, the New York Times reports HERE, that Michael Pineda has been throwing bullpen sessions about twice a week. YES Network reports HERE, "a 35-pitch session in Tampa that included throwing sliders off a mound for the first time." Wow! Slowly and gradually, Michael is making strides to return to the mound. Don't forget, Pineda suffered a torn labrum in his throwing shoulder resulting in him being shut down for the 2012 season and requiring surgery to repair the torn tissue. We are left with many question marks as to when we will see Pineda throw his first pitch as a New York Yankee. It is certain to say it won't be at Spring Training. GM Brian Cashman hopes to see a rehab assignment sometime around June.

My take is he will probably remain in Tampa to continue rehab and further strengthen his arm once the season gets under way, with stops at AA Trenton, and AAA Scranton/Wilkes Barre and undergo starting sessions before given the final clearance to head up to the Bronx. It's still a long road for Pineda, but in due time he will get there.

Hopefully this good news rubs off in Yankeeland. We can dream, can't we?

-- Rudy Laurens, BYB Writer
Facebook: House of Champions



Please comment, we have DISQUS, it's easier than ever. Let me know what you think and follow me on Twitter @BleednYankeeBlu and join the group Bleeding Yankee Blue on Facebook, just type it in.