Pineda (elbow) could return in August or September this season but wouldn't be used as a starter, Twins Executive Vice President Derek Falvey told freelance writer Brian Hall.

EDGE Analysis

The 28-year-old righty underwent Tommy John surgery on July 18. The Twins signed him to a two-year, $10 million contract in December with an eye toward him joining the rotation in 2019. However, it doesn't sound like he's been ruled out from pitching in the majors in 2018.

Pineda (elbow) signed a two-year deal with the Twins on Wednesday.

EDGE Analysis

The 28-year-old righty underwent Tommy John surgery on July 18, and figures to miss most, if not all of the 2018 season. This gives him some short-term security and a chance to hit the market again after hopefully reestablishing his value in 2019, while it give the Twins an affordable, high-upside starter for 2019. Pineda has generated worse run-prevention metrics than the fielding-independent numbers suggest, as his career 3.60 FIP is quite a bit lower than his career 4.05 ERA. While he hasn't posted an ERA under 4.30 since 2014, he typically strikes out around a batter per inning, and in 2016 he notched 207 strikeouts in 175.2 innings, so there is plenty of long-term upside for dynasty-league owners.

Pineda (elbow) underwent successful Tommy John surgery on Tuesday, Jon Heyman of FanRagSports.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Pineda is hopeful to return in the second half of the 2018 season, but that would be a best-case scenario, as Tommy John surgery typically requires anywhere from a 12-to-16 month recovery, and sometimes pitchers need even longer than that to return to a big-league mound. The surgery was performed by Dr. Kremchek in Cincinnati.

Pineda (elbow) will undergo season-ending Tommy John surgery Tuesday in Cincinnati.

EDGE Analysis

Pineda met Monday with Dr. Timothy Kremchek, who confirmed the right-hander was dealing with a torn UCL that would require surgical repair. The Yankees had been fully prepared for the news, as they moved the 28-year-old to the 60-day disabled list over the weekend. With the Tommy John surgery recovering at least a full year of recovery time, there's a good possibility that Pineda misses the entire 2018 campaign in addition to rest of 2017. Luis Cessa will be recalled from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre on Tuesday to fill Pineda's spot in the rotation, but he's not a safe bet to stick around as the Yankees' fifth starter for good with the team expected to be active on the trade market as the deadline approaches.

Pineda was transferred to the 60-day disabled list Sunday.

EDGE Analysis

The transaction was an inevitability after Pineda was diagnosed Friday with a partial tear of the UCL in his right elbow that will require season-ending Tommy John surgery, per Yankees general manager Brian Cashman. With Pineda now on the 60-day DL, the Yankees will be able to open up a spot on the 40-man roster for reliever Caleb Smith, whose contract was purchased from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre on Sunday.

Pineda (elbow) was placed on the 10-day DL on Friday.

EDGE Analysis

The news is bleak for Pineda, as he's been diagnosed with a partial tear of the UCL in his right elbow, with one doctor recommending Tommy John surgery. Pineda is seeking a second opinion. Even if he manages to avoid going under the knife, he may very well end up missing the remainder of 2017.

Pineda has been diagnosed with a partial tear of the UCL in his right elbow, Jack Curry of YES Network reports. Tommy John surgery has been recommended, but Pineda will seek a second opinion.

EDGE Analysis

Pineda has been on a tailspin as his ERA has risen to 4.39. We don't know when this injury occurred, but it could be partially to blame if it's been a long-term issue. While surgery is not yet a certainty, Pineda's outlook for the rest of the season -- and, if surgery occurs, 2018 -- looks bleak, even if he's able to return. The Yankees helped Masahiro Tanaka avoid surgery for a similar problem with treatment and rest, though not every case is the same. Pineda's owners can stash him yet must start looking for a long-term replacement.

Pineda lasted just three innings but earned a no decision in Wednesday's 7-6 loss over the Blue Jays. He allowed five runs on nine hits (three homers) and a walk while striking out one batter.

EDGE Analysis

Despite the new month, Pineda's inconsistency persists; he hasn't put together consecutive quality starts since the end of May and he's allowed five or more runs in four of seven starts over that span. Over that same rocky stretch, home runs have proven to be the big difference for Pineda, as he owns an abysmal 11.00 ERA in four games where he's conceded a home run compared to a 1.45 ERA in three games where he hasn't. The 28-year-old and his 4.39 ERA won't see another start until after the All-Star break, so hopefully the extended rest will help him figure some things out.

Pineda (8-4) allowed three runs (two earned) on seven hits over six innings in Friday's 13-4 win over the Astros. He struck out three.

EDGE Analysis

The big righty has been alternating good starts with poor ones in June, and on cue he rebounded from Sunday's ugly outing against the Rangers with his ninth quality start of the year. Pineda will take a 4.05 ERA into his final start before the All-Star break Wednesday at home against the Blue Jays.

Pineda (7-4) allowed seven runs on six hits over four innings Sunday against the Rangers. He struck out four and walked one, while taking the loss.

EDGE Analysis

Three home runs will sink any pitcher, and Pineda was no exception Sunday. Pineda entered with a 6-1 mark and a 1.92 ERA at home this season, but that did not matter against the Rangers. He's now 0-4 in six career starts against Texas.