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Yankees lineup vs. Mariners - Michael Pineda can't be put on disabled list until after suspension

By Jason Cohen
Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports

The Yankees were rained out last night, but they return today to finish out their series with the Mariners. David Phelps has been skipped in the rotation, so Hiroki Kuroda will be starting tonight. Seattle is pushing back starter Roenis Elias, meaning the Yankees will miss Felix Hernandez for this series.

Jacoby Ellsbury has returned to the lineup after sitting out on Tuesday with a sore left hand. Derek Jeter is in the two-spot followed by Carlos Beltran in right field. Alfonso Soriano is the designated hitter with Mark Teixeira and Brian McCann behind him. Yangervis Solarte, Brett Gardner, and Brian Roberts round out the bottom of the order.

At this point, it doesn't make sense to keep playing Brian Roberts over Kelly Johnson. Neither are exactly lighting up the world right now, but at least we know that Johnson has been the better player over the last few seasons. Roberts isn't even playing a decent second base, so why keep running him out there when it's likely he is at the end of his career?

We know that Michael Pineda has been diagnosed with a Grade 1 teres major strain. He will have to miss his next scheduled start on Monday, but won't be able to go on the disabled list until his pine tar suspension is over on Sunday. That means the Yankees will continue to play with a 24-man roster for another three days. Pineda is expected to miss around a month and will be replaced by Phelps in the rotation.

Brendan Ryan, on the other hand, continues his rehab assignment as he tries to make it back from a nerve injury in his spine. He shouldn't be out for too much longer, but it's unknown who he could replace when he returns.

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