Michael Pineda is slated to return to the rotation Wednesday against the Astros.
The right-hander last pitched for the Yankees on July 24, out with a right forearm muscle strain, but after two minor league rehab starts, both manager Joe Girardi and Pineda believe he is ready.
Masahiro Tanaka will be bumped to Friday and Girardi indicated he would use a six-man rotation in September, perhaps with Bryan Mitchell or Chris Capuano, if he remains with the organization after being designated for assignment Saturday to make room for Branden Pinder.
But those issues are secondary to Pineda’s performance when he returns.