Michael Pineda says he intends to pitch this year even though he is still recovering from Tommy John surgery.
Pineda was signed by the Minnesota Twins this offseason for two years at $10 million. The Twins signed him to a two-year deal knowing that he might not be able to pitch this season after undergoing surgery in July.
Speaking at TwinsFest on Friday, Pineda said he threw on Wednesday for the first time since he underwent surgery. The Star Tribune’s Phil Miller says Pineda intends to pitch this year.
New Twins RHP Michael Pineda, recovering from Tommy John, says he threw Wednesday for first time since surgery. 30 pitches from 60 feet, felt good. But he's not putting any target date on return other than "2018."
— Phil Miller (@MillerStrib) January 20, 2018
Pineda, 29, missed all of the 2012 and 2013 seasons due to shoulder surgery, so he’s used to lengthy absences and long recoveries. The Twins surely signed him with the intent of having him pay off down the road, so there is no doubt they will be patient with him.
Pineda has a 4.06 career ERA and over a strikeout per inning. His recovery will be a story to watch throughout the season.
