Michael Pineda
Encyclopedia
Michael Francisco Pineda (born January 18, 1989 in San Cristobal
, Dominican Republic
) is a Major League Baseball
starting pitcher
for the Seattle Mariners
. Before the 2010 season, Pineda was considered the Mariners' sixth best prospect according to Baseball America
and in 2011 was second.
on April 28, including the first four batters he faced. Pineda was named American League
Rookie of the Month for April 2011.
On June 23, 2011, Pineda got his first major-league hit, a single against Jason Marquis
. This broke up a no-hitter that lasted 5.1 innings.
He was selected to the All-Star Game
on July 10 as a replacement for Justin Verlander
, who was ineligible to pitch due to having pitched the day before the All-Star break. He pitched one perfect inning, and struck out Scott Rolen
and Rickie Weeks
.
San Cristóbal, Dominican Republic
San Cristóbal is a municipality and the capital of the San Cristóbal province in the Dominican Republic. Within the municipality there is one municipal district : Hato Damas.-Sectors:*5 de abril*Canastica*El Pomier...
, Dominican Republic
Dominican Republic
The Dominican Republic is a nation on the island of La Hispaniola, part of the Greater Antilles archipelago in the Caribbean region. The western third of the island is occupied by the nation of Haiti, making Hispaniola one of two Caribbean islands that are shared by two countries...
) is a Major League Baseball
Major League Baseball
Major League Baseball is the highest level of professional baseball in the United States and Canada, consisting of teams that play in the National League and the American League...
starting pitcher
Starting pitcher
In baseball or softball, a starting pitcher is the pitcher who delivers the first pitch to the first batter of a game. A pitcher who enters the game after the first pitch of the game is a relief pitcher....
for the Seattle Mariners
Seattle Mariners
The Seattle Mariners are a professional baseball team based in Seattle, Washington. Enfranchised in , the Mariners are a member of the Western Division of Major League Baseball's American League. Safeco Field has been the Mariners' home ballpark since July...
. Before the 2010 season, Pineda was considered the Mariners' sixth best prospect according to Baseball America
Baseball America
Baseball America is a magazine which covers baseball at every level, with a particular focus on up-and-coming players in high school, college, Japan, and the minor leagues. It is currently published in the form of a bi-weekly newspaper, five annual reference book titles, a weekly podcast, and a...
and in 2011 was second.
Major Leagues
Pineda pitched 7.1 innings, allowed two runs, struck out seven batters, and earned his first Major League win on April 12, 2011 against Toronto. Pineda struck out a career high 9 against the Detroit TigersDetroit Tigers
The Detroit Tigers are a Major League Baseball team located in Detroit, Michigan. One of the American League's eight charter franchises, the club was founded in Detroit in as part of the Western League. The Tigers have won four World Series championships and have won the American League pennant...
on April 28, including the first four batters he faced. Pineda was named American League
American League
The American League of Professional Baseball Clubs, or simply the American League , is one of two leagues that make up Major League Baseball in the United States and Canada. It developed from the Western League, a minor league based in the Great Lakes states, which eventually aspired to major...
Rookie of the Month for April 2011.
On June 23, 2011, Pineda got his first major-league hit, a single against Jason Marquis
Jason Marquis
Jason Scott Marquis is an American professional baseball pitcher who is a free agent. He previously pitched for the Atlanta Braves, St. Louis Cardinals, Chicago Cubs, Colorado Rockies, Washington Nationals and Arizona Diamondbacks....
. This broke up a no-hitter that lasted 5.1 innings.
He was selected to the All-Star Game
2011 Major League Baseball All-Star Game
The 2011 Major League Baseball All-Star Game was the 82nd in-season exhibition game between the All-Stars of the National League and the American League ; the leagues composing Major League Baseball. The event was held on Tuesday, July 12, 2011 at Chase Field in Phoenix, Arizona, home of the...
on July 10 as a replacement for Justin Verlander
Justin Verlander
Justin Brooks Verlander is an American professional baseball pitcher with the Detroit Tigers of Major League Baseball....
, who was ineligible to pitch due to having pitched the day before the All-Star break. He pitched one perfect inning, and struck out Scott Rolen
Scott Rolen
Scott Bruce Rolen is a Major League Baseball third baseman for the Cincinnati Reds. He is an eight-time Gold Glove winner and seven-time All-Star.-Philadelphia Phillies:...
and Rickie Weeks
Rickie Weeks
Rickie Darnell Weeks is a Major League Baseball second baseman for the Milwaukee Brewers....
.