Tough weekend physically for Brian Roberts

Brian Roberts staggered around the clubhouse like a diminutive NFL running back who had spent a Sunday afternoon hitting non-existent holes up the middle.

His right knee was packed in ice, the result of fouling a ball off his kneecap Friday night, and a mound of ice was strapped to the area just below his right shoulder, soothing a significant welt left by Javy Guerra's 95-mph fastball in the sixth.

"Never felt better,'' the 5-9, 175-pound Roberts said with a weary smile after the Yankees' 7-1 victory Sunday.

Roberts stayed in the game after being hit by Guerra and even homered in the eighth. He said he expects to play Monday afternoon in St. Louis.

Pineda passes first test

Michael Pineda (strained teres major muscle) got through his 28-pitch live batting practice session Saturday OK and will throw a two-inning extended spring game Tuesday, Joe Girardi said. If that goes well, he probably will pitch in another extended spring game before heading out for rehab games.

Because of the location of the teres major, just below Pineda's surgically repaired right shoulder, the Yankees have been careful with him and will continue to be. His return likely is at least two weeks away, if not more.

Extra bases

Carlos Beltran (bone spur in his right elbow) will swing a bat Monday, and a determination regarding surgery is likely to come shortly after that . . . Girardi said CC Sabathia, recovering from a stem cell and cortisone injection in his right knee, is "not doing a whole lot'' besides rehab exercises in the pool.