Yankees starter Michael Pineda likely out until August

Michael Pineda has made 32 career starts since coming up in 2011 with the Mariners. (Jared Wickerham/Getty Images)

Yankees starter Michael Pineda, who's been on the disabled list since May 6 with a shoulder strain, is unlikely to return until August, manager Joe Girardi said before Friday's game in Oakland, according to ESPNNewYork.com's Wallace Matthews.

"I would think August is probably realistic," Girardi said, adding that Pineda most likely won't pick up a baseball for another week and will likely need about six weeks after he does to return.

"Usually, they talk about doubling [the period of inactivity] when there's a setback," Girardi added about Pineda experiencing soreness in his back. "Then, you have to build him up again. That's the problem."

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The 25-year-old was 2-2 with a 1.83 ERA in four starts before he was suspended 10 games for using pine tar on April 23 in Boston.

Joked Girardi: "I don't think we'll have to limit his innings this season."

The Yankees are also without CC Sabathia (right knee inflammation), who is likely out at least until the All-Star break. Sabathia was 3-4 with a 5.28 ERA in eight starts this season before his injury.

"It's going to be tough to get him back before the All-Star game," Girardi said about Sabathia. "So until then, our rotation is our rotation."

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