In April 2014, Yankees pitcher Michael Pineda was ejected from a game against the Red Sox for having pine tar on his neck, a violation of Major League Baseball’s rules.
The incident sparked a debate about the use of substances to improve grip on the ball and raised questions about Pineda’s future as a pitcher.
Suspension and Fallout
Michael Pineda, the pitcher for the New York Yankees, was ejected from a game against the Boston Red Sox on April 23, 2014, after the umpires found pine tar on his neck.
This incident caused much controversy and scrutiny, leading to Pineda receiving a suspension from Major League Baseball (MLB).
The Suspension Received by Pineda
After the incident, Pineda received a 10-game suspension from the MLB, which is the standard punishment for pitchers caught using foreign substances on the ball to gain an advantage.
Pineda accepted the suspension and apologized for his actions, acknowledging that he “made a mistake” and that he would learn from it.
Reactions From Fans and Media
Fans and media had mixed reactions to Pineda’s use of pine tar. Some felt that his actions were a clear violation of the rules and that he deserved to be punished, while others believed that using pine tar to improve grip on the ball is a common practice among pitchers and that Pineda was simply unlucky to be caught.
Furthermore, many people felt that Pineda’s actions were unnecessary, given that he already had a reputation for being a talented pitcher.
Some even speculated that his use of pine tar was indicative of a larger problem of cheating in baseball.
Effect on Pineda’s Career
Pineda’s use of pine tar and subsequent suspension had a significant impact on his career. He missed 10 games as a result of the suspension and struggled in his return, posting a 2-2 record with an ERA of 4.80 in his next six starts.
Moreover, Pineda’s reputation as a pitcher was tarnished by the incident, and some analysts argued that he had lost credibility as a result.
While Pineda went on to have some successful seasons in the MLB after the incident, it is likely that it will always be viewed as a stain on his career.
Michael Pineda’s use of pine tar and subsequent ejection and suspension caused controversy and scrutiny in the world of baseball.
While Pineda accepted responsibility for his actions and received a standard punishment from the MLB, his reputation as a pitcher suffered as a result, and the incident will likely always be remembered as a low point in his career.
Return to the Yankees
Pineda’s return to the team after suspension
After being suspended for 10 games, Yankees pitcher Michael Pineda returned to the team on May 6, 2014. He had been suspended for using pine tar on his neck during a game against Red Sox. The suspension was a major setback for Pineda as he had been having a good start to the season, with a 2-2 record and a 1.83 ERA.
Pineda’s performance after returning to the team was not as impressive as before. In his first game back, he struggled, giving up 5 runs in 4 innings.
He also had a few more rough outings after that. However, he did manage to bounce back and have a few decent starts towards the end of the season. Overall, Pineda finished the season with a 5-5 record and a 1.89 ERA.
Reactions From Teammates and Coache
Pineda’s use of pine tar had been a controversial topic, and his teammates and coaches were not pleased with his actions.
Many of them felt that it had put the team in a difficult position. However, after serving his suspension, Pineda was welcomed back to the team, and his teammates and coaches tried to move on.
Yankees manager Joe Girardi said, “We’ve had a chance to talk about it, and he knows he made a mistake, and we move forward.” He also expressed confidence that Pineda would be able to bounce back after his suspension.
Teammate Derek Jeter also spoke about Pineda’s return, saying, “He’s going to do everything he can to help us win. It’s as simple as that.”
Overall, Pineda’s use of pine tar was a major controversy during the 2014 season, but the team was able to move on after his suspension. While his performance may not have been as impressive after his return, he was still able to make contributions to the team.
Trade to the Twins
Michael Pineda, a former pitcher of the New York Yankees, was ejected from a game in 2014 for having pine tar on his neck. A substance that is used to improve grip, this is strictly prohibited by Major League Baseball. This incident, among other issues, led to his trade to the Minnesota Twins in 2018.
In July 2018, the Yankees traded Pineda to the Twins for minor league pitcher Zack Littell and infielder switch-hitter Jorge Polanco. At that time, Pineda was recovering from Tommy John surgery and was not expected to pitch until 2019. This trade was seen as a low-risk, high-reward move by the Twins.
Pineda’s career has been marked by inconsistency and injuries. However, he has shown flashes of brilliance throughout his career.
In his first season with the Twins in 2019, Pineda demonstrated improved control and a solid fastball, ending the season with a 4.01 ERA and 11 wins. Unfortunately, his season was cut short by a 60-game suspension for testing positive for a banned diuretic.
In 2020, Pineda was once again inconsistent due to injuries and ended the season with a 3.38 ERA in just five starts due to the pandemic-shortened season. This prompted the Twins to exercise their option on Pineda for the 2021 season.
Pineda has the potential to be a valuable asset for the Twins if he can stay healthy and consistent. He has shown that he can pitch at a high level in the past, and the Twins are banking on him to do so in the upcoming season.
However, Pineda’s age and injury history may be cause for concern for the Twins going forward.
Michael Pineda’s trade to the Twins was a calculated move by the team to acquire a talented pitcher with a questionable track record.
While Pineda has shown promise in his first two seasons with the team, his injuries and performance in the upcoming season will determine if this trade was worthwhile for both the Twins and Pineda himself.
Tommy John Surgery
Tommy John surgery is a surgical procedure in which a ligament in the elbow is replaced with a new tendon. The procedure was named after former Major League Baseball pitcher Tommy John, who was the first player to undergo the surgery in 1974.
The surgery has since become a common procedure for pitchers and other athletes who experience damage to the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) in their elbow.
During the surgery, a surgeon will make an incision in the forearm and remove the damaged UCL. A new tendon, often taken from the patient’s forearm, hamstring, or knee, is then inserted into the elbow and secured with screws or sutures.
The procedure typically takes 60-90 minutes, and patients will need to wear a brace for several weeks afterward to protect the elbow.
Pineda’s Need for the Surgery
Michael Pineda, a pitcher for the New York Yankees, was ejected from a game in 2014 for having pine tar on his neck. While the incident may have seemed trivial at the time, it was later revealed that Pineda had been struggling with elbow pain and had been using pine tar to improve his grip on the ball.
Pineda was ultimately diagnosed with a partial tear of his UCL and opted to have Tommy John surgery to repair the damage.
Rehabilitation Process and Timeline
The rehabilitation process after Tommy John surgery can be lengthy, often taking 12-18 months for a pitcher to return to full form. Immediately following the surgery, patients will wear a brace for several weeks while the new tendon heals and the elbow regains strength.
Physical therapy is also a crucial part of the recovery process, with patients working to gradually increase their range of motion and build up strength in the arm.
After several months of physical therapy, patients will begin a throwing program designed to help them regain their pitching motion.
The program typically starts with short tosses and gradually works up to longer throws and eventually bullpen sessions. Once a player has regained full range of motion and has built up strength in their arm, they may be cleared to resume full pitching activities.
Overall, Tommy John surgery can be a challenging process for pitchers, requiring significant dedication and hard work to regain their form.
However, many players have successful returns from the surgery and are able to resume their careers at a high level.
Current Status
Update on Pineda’s Recovery and Career
Michael Pineda, now 32, had a bumpy journey in his pitching career after his suspension and subsequent injury in 2014. In 2017, he signed a two-year contract with the Minnesota Twins, but his first season with them was cut short due to surgery to repair a torn meniscus in his knee.
He bounced back in 2018 with a strong performance, posting an 8-5 record with a 4.39 ERA in 26 starts.
However, in September 2019, Pineda received a 60-game suspension for testing positive for a banned substance.
He would have been eligible to return in May 2020, but the COVID-19 pandemic delayed the start of the season, and his suspension carried over into the shortened 60-game season. Pineda still managed to make 5 starts for the Twins in 2020, going 2-0 with a 3.38 ERA.
Opinions on His Future in the Mlb
Pineda’s future in the MLB is uncertain. He is set to become a free agent after the 2020 season, and his recent suspension for PED use may give teams pause before signing him.
However, when healthy, Pineda has shown to be a reliable starting pitcher with a strong fastball and slider.
Some people believe that Pineda’s suspension may signal the end of his career, while others think he may still have the potential to contribute to a team.
Some teams may be willing to take a chance on him if he is willing to accept a short-term, low-cost contract, especially in a market that is expected to be impacted by the ongoing pandemic.
Final Thoughts on Michael Pineda’s Pitching Career
Michael Pineda’s career has been marked by both promise and disappointment. He burst onto the scene as a top rookie with the Seattle Mariners in 2011, but he was traded to the New York Yankees after the 2011 season and struggled at times during his tenure there. His infamous pine tar incident in 2014 will forever be a part of his legacy.
However, Pineda has shown resilience throughout his career. He has battled back from injuries and suspension to continue pitching in the MLB.
His future may be uncertain, but his determination and talent cannot be denied. Whether or not he continues to pitch at the Major League level, Pineda will always be remembered as a player who gave it his all and never gave up.
Is Michael Pineda Injured?
Michael Pineda was on the 15-day injured list due to a triceps injury. The Detroit Tigers reinstated him from the injured list on Thursday. Pineda will be joining the team two days in advance before his scheduled start on Saturday.
The active roster will be expanding from 26 to 28 men. This means the Tigers will have extra players available for the next few days. Pineda has struggled with injuries throughout his career. He has not played a full season since 2016.
The Tigers acquired him in the hopes of boosting their pitching staff. Pineda has shown flashes of brilliance when healthy. His presence will be a welcome addition to the Tigers’ roster.
What Pitcher Got Caught With Sticky Stuff?
Max Scherzer’s Ejection
Scherzer was ejected from a game against the Los Angeles Dodgers after third inning inspection. Umpires examined his pitching hand and glove after suspecting the use of the sticky substance.
Insistence of Innocence
Scherzer insisted that the substance found was a mixture of sweat and rosin, a legal substance. The pitcher expressed frustration at the rigorous inspection process that unfavorably targets pitchers.
Crackdown on Sticky Stuff
The MLB has been cracking down on pitchers suspected of using illegal substances on the ball. The crackdown was put in place to balance the game and level the playing field.
Other Instances of Ejection
Other pitchers like Sergio Romo and Hector Santiago have also been caught with sticky stuff and ejected. Santiago was the first player to be handed a suspension under the new policy.
Impact on Baseball
The crackdown on sticky stuff has led to an increased number of ejections and suspensions. There has been debate on whether these measures are fair, given that pitchers have been using these substances for a long time.
To Recap
Despite the controversy surrounding his use of pine tar, Michael Pineda has continued to pitch in the Major Leagues. He played for the Yankees until 2017 and has since pitched for the Minnesota Twins and the Pittsburgh Pirates.
Pineda has had ongoing struggles with injuries but remains a talented pitcher with a strong fastball and effective slider.
While the pine tar incident may have tarnished his reputation, Pineda is still capable of delivering solid performances on the mound.
