Tonight's Rattler Starting Pitcher (5/3)

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 made his first start as a Timber Rattler on April 27 against Beloit. He pitched five innings and gave up four hits with a walk and two strikeouts. Pineda left the game with the Rattlers leading 2-0, but Beloit rallied against the Rattler bullpen for a 5-3 win and he got a no decision.

LAST WIN: Pineda pitched two scoreless innings in relief on April 16 against the Fort Wayne Wizards. He struck out three as the Rattlers broke a 2-2 tie with four runs in the eighth inning.

VS. LASING: Today is Pineda’s first appearance against the Lugnuts and against an affiliate of the Toronto Blue Jays.

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)