TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — Michael Pineda will be the New York Yankees' fifth starter.

Manager Joe Girardi announced the decision before Tuesday night's game against Philadelphia.

Pineda, who missed the past two seasons after right shoulder surgery, beat out David Phelps, Adam Warren and Vidal Nuno.

Pineda has given up three runs and struck out 16 over 15 innings in four games.

Girardi said Japanese star Masahiro Tanaka makes his major league debut April 4 at Toronto. CC Sabathia, Hiroki Kuroda and Ivan Nova are to start the opening series at Houston nexy week,

Jacoby Ellsbury, sidelined the past 1½ weeks by right calf tightness, resumed playing and went 1 for 4 with two walks as the designated hitter in a minor league intrasquad game. He had an RBI single and struck out once.

Ellsbury expects to be ready for Tuesday's opener.

 

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