Today's Rattler Starter (4/27)

RHP MICHAEL PINEDA was signed as a non drafted free by the Mariners out of the Dominican Republic on December 12, 2005.

SUMMERTIME: In his first professional season, Pineda pitched for Seattle’s team in the Dominican Summer League. He was 2-1 in eight games (three starts) with a 0.44 ERA during the 2006 season.

DR REDUX: Pineda repeated the DSL in 2007 and went 6-1 with a 2.29ERA over 15 games (12 starts). Pineda struck out 48 and walked 11 over 59 innings pitched last year.

MVP: Seattle named Pineda the Most Valuable Pitcher of their Dominican Summer League affiliate for his performance last season.

SIX IN A ROW: Pineda won six consecutive decisions from June 19 through August 4 last season.

LAST START: Pineda picked up a no decision in a start against the Dominican Summer League affiliate of the St. Louis Cardinals on August 20. He pitched 2-2/3 innings without allowing a hit. Pineda walked two, hit one, and struck out two in the game.

LAST APPEARANCE: Pineda made a relief appearance at South Bend on April 21. He worked three innings and allowed one run on two hits with no walks and three strikeouts.

VS. BELOIT: Today is Pineda’s first appearance against the Snappers and against an affiliate of the Minnesota Twins.

2008 SO FAR: Pineda won his first two appearances for the Rattlers. He picked up a win in relief in the first game of a doubleheader at Quad Cities on April 5 and another win with two innings of scoreless relief against Fort Wayne on April 16.

PROFESSIONAL BESTS:
INNINGS PITCHED: 6.0 (vs. DSL A’s 2 7/9/07)
STRIKEOUTS: 6 (vs. DSL A’s 2 7/30/07)