New York Yankees: 5 players that need to step up in September
By Nick Ziegler
Aug 26, 2015; Bronx, NY, USA; New York Yankees manager Joe Girardi (28) takes the ball from starting pitcher Michael Pineda (35) in the fifth inning against the Houston Astros at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports
One of the tougher things to happen to the Yankees in the month of August was the amount of time Michael Pineda missed. He recovered quicker than expected from his forearm strain which was similar to the injury to Andrew Miller, but the Yankees certainly need Pineda on the hill.
Pineda has been a bit up and down this season with an ERA of 3.00 in May, and then an ERA of 5.72 in June. In September, the Yankees need Pineda to be at his best as their No.2 pitcher on the staff.
In his first start back from DL on August 26th against the Houston Astros, Pineda struggled, as he pitched 4.1 innings while allowing five earned runs. Pineda has shown this season that he can pitch like an ace, but that consistency is still keeping him from being an elite pitcher.
If the Yankees are to win the AL East or have success in the playoffs, they’ll need Pineda in elite form.
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