MINNEAPOLIS — New York Yankees pitcher Michael Pineda is set to have Tommy John surgery this week, likely putting him out of action until at least late next year.

The Yankees said Pineda will have surgery Tuesday to repair a torn ligament in his right elbow.

New York opened a series Monday night in Minnesota.

The 28-year-old Pineda is 8-4 with a 4.39 ERA in 17 starts. He is eligible for free agency after this season.

Cincinnati Reds medical director Dr. Timothy Kremchek will do the surgery.

He agreed with the original recommendation by Yankees head team physician Dr. Christopher Ahmad that Pineda have Tommy John surgery.

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First baseman Greg Bird will have ankle surgery on Tuesday and is expected to miss the next six weeks.

After a strong spring training, Bird hit just .100 with one home run in 19 games to start the season. He was placed on the disabled list on May 2 with a bone bruise on his right ankle.

After one rehab assignment Bird was shut down when the pain resurfaced and visited several doctors to determine a course of treatment.

Bird missed all of last season while recovering from shoulder surgery.

Yankees Manager Joe Girardi says the team is hopeful he could return to the field in September.

ROYALS: Kansas City reinstated reliever Neftali Feliz from the paternity list and optioned right-hander Miguel Almonte to Triple-A Omaha during a series of roster moves before Monday night’s game against the Tigers.

PIRATES: Starling Marte insists he still isn’t sure exactly how the illegal steroid that cost the Pittsburgh outfielder an 80-game suspension got into his system. All set to return Tuesday night, he stressed he did not inject himself with Nandrolone but understands he was “careless” while spending last offseason in his native Dominican Republic.

The 28-year-old, a two-time Gold Glove winner and one-time All-Star, apologized to his teammates in the minutes after his suspension was handed down on April 18. He offered a broader one to the organization and the fan base, well aware his misstep could follow him for the remainder of his career.


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