Left-hander Still Sizzling, Wants to Pitch
“I don’t mean any disrespect at all toward Haney (Valencia’s splendid rookie center fielder). We all know he’s going to win the Gillstrom unless a car fall on him somehow,” said Jose Machado, shaking his head after the game, “but the fact is that Pineda is really the guy. I mean, dude’s 7-0 and no one can hit him. Give me a break. All I can say is thank God I don’t have to face him. He'd be enough to get me sent back to (AAA) Indy.”
The team has not lost any game he’s started, including no-decisions against Hawaii and Nashville. In addition to California, he’s also defeated San Fernando, both top-tier Pacific division teams.
Having just turned 21, the world is his enchilada.
Of course, at 21, the team is still worried about pitch count and workload. Team scouts suggest his motion is not one to put undue stress on his arm, but the fact is that he’s now seen 160 innings, 20 more than he’s thrown in his career. With the season in its last three weeks, and a post season run looming, some are suggesting Pineda’s usage should be limited.
Among those not in favor is Pineda himself.
I’m having a great time out there,” he said, “I feel fine. Just give me the ball.”
The team is listening for now. He’s due to make his next start on a normal cycle. We’ll see what happens after that.
