Yanks' Ellsbury (hand) sits; Pineda (back) leaves simulated game
NEW YORK -- Center fielder Jacoby Ellsbury is out of the New York Yankees' lineup because of a sore left hand, and suspended pitcher Michael Pineda pulled himself from a simulated game with tightness in an upper back muscle.
Manager Joe Girardi said Ellsbury has been bothered by the hand for a few days. He will be out of the starting lineup Tuesday night for Robinson Cano's return to Yankee Stadium with the Seattle Mariners. Tests on Ellsbury's hand were negative.
Pineda missed the past two seasons after having shoulder surgery. The right-hander was off to a fine start before being caught with a foreign substance on his neck April 23 and banned 10 games. He was due to return Monday at the Los Angeles Angels. Girardi said Pineda will have an MRI.
David Phelps is the likely candidate to start in Pineda's place.