New York Yankees: Michael Pineda to Undergo Shoulder Surgery, out for the Season

Michael Pineda, the New York Yankees' prized acquisition this winter, is scheduled to undergo surgery on an anterior labral tear in his throwing shoulder next Tuesday, and he will miss the rest of the 2012 season.

Pineda was seen by team doctor Chris Ahmad, who administered an MRI on his throwing shoulder. He was re-examined by arm specialist Dr. David Altcheck today.

After getting this second opinion, the Yankees chose to announce the injury.

It's believed that the injury was suffered during the final pitch of Pineda's extended spring training start on April 21. The big right-hander was complaining of pain and fatigue in the joint following the start.

Although small labral tears are undetectable through MRIs, the MRIs administered on Pineda's shoulder this offseason showed no structural damage.

"We got a healthy player to the best of everybody's knowledge," Yankees GM Brian Cashman said.

Pineda experienced a dip in velocity this spring, so much so that the Yankees shut him down and placed him on the disabled list on March 31 with shoulder tendinitis.

It was unknown as to whether or not Pineda would have even donned the pinstripes at all this season, but this is definitely a huge blow for the Yankees.

With Pineda's progress slowed and the New York rotation struggling, the Yankees will have to hope that Andy Pettitte can come back and pitch like we're all used to seeing.

If he can't, the Yankees will have no choice but to explore trade possibilities if they want to compete with the likes of the Rangers, Tigers, Angels and Rays in the American League.