Michael Pineda takes a step in positive direction in rehab

Michael Pineda isn't ready for rehab games yet, and probably won't be for at least another week to 10 days, but the righthander took a step in that direction Tuesday.

Pineda, on the DL since May 6 with a right strained teres major muscle, got through his two-inning extended spring training game against the Phillies without pain. "[He] had a very good day," Joe Girardi said of Pineda, who threw 28 pitches (20 strikes).

In the outing, Pineda allowed an unearned run, two hits, zero walks with four strikeouts. Next up for the 25-year-old is another extended spring training game Sunday, when the Yankees hope to have him throw 50-60 pitches. Because of the location of the injury, just below Pineda's surgically repaired shoulder, the Yankees are playing it cautiously and a return to the rotation won't likely be for at least another two weeks, if not more.

Beltran pumped

Carlos Beltran, out with bone spurs in his right elbow, took swings with a regular bat.

"He was extremely excited today," Girardi said.

Beltran, hoping to avoid surgery, will progress to tee-and-toss Thursday, Girardi added.