New York Yankees: Michael Pineda Injury Update and Rehab News

Michael Pineda made an appearance in the New York Yankees' clubhouse a few days ago and gave the media a good idea as to how well his rehab is going.

According to Erik Boland of Newsday, Pineda is doing just fine down in Tampa while he tries to recover from season-ending surgery.

"I'm feeling better," the 23-year-old righthander said Tuesday. "The doctors say everything is great."

Pineda tore his right labrum after a tumultuous spring filled with weight problems and velocity issues, amongst other things. The writing was on the wall that something might have been wrong before the season started—and sure enough,it was.

Pineda showed up in good shape, according to the same report. His trim build was far different than the one we saw during spring training when the right-hander came to camp overweight.

The fact that the former Seattle Mariner turned Yankee is getting into shape is a great sign that Pineda is taking his rehab and his conditioning seriously. Staying in shape will be paramount in Pineda's progression. Its hard to get better as a pitcher when you have to worry about losing weight also.

Physical therapy has become a daily routine for Pineda as he continues to rehab. Boland points out that Pineda has been told by doctors that he can begin throwing in September and that all indications are he'll be ready for the start of 2013.

"I hope so," said Pineda, who was headed back to Tampa Tuesday night. "I want to be ready for spring training next year. I'm feeling great right now. I'm feeling much better."

With everything looking positive for Pineda's future return to the mound, the Yankees can only hope the flamethrower can return to his All-Star 2011 form.