May 15: The Tigers announced that they have placed Pineda on the IL, as expected, with Victor Reyes heading in the other direction as a corresponding move.
May 14: Tigers right-hander Michael Pineda had to leave today’s game in the second inning after being hit in his throwing hand by a Ramon Urias line drive. Following the game, manager A.J. Hinch told reporters (including MLB.com’s Jason Beck) that Pineda had suffered a fractured right middle finger. A trip to the injured list is inevitable, and Hinch said that Pineda will visit specialists to determine the next course of action in recovery.
It’s a tough outcome for both Pineda and the Tigers, who are already missing multiple members of their ideal starting rotation. Matt Manning (shoulder discomfort) may be within a week or two of returning to action, but Casey Mize (elbow sprain) didn’t last long in his first rehab start, and his rehab assignment has now been paused. Tyler Alexander also made some spot starts earlier this season, before a left elbow sprain put the southpaw on the shelf.
Pineda missed some time himself at the start of the year, as visa issues delayed his arrival to Spring Training and thus his preseason prep was delayed. Though five starts and 22 1/3 innings, Pineda has a 3.22 ERA, though with only a 13.63% strikeout rate. While that K% is a particular low, Pineda’s story for the last four seasons has been delivering some solid bottom-line numbers (3.77 ERA over 303 innings) despite generally unimpressive peripherals. Pineda signed a one-year, $5.5MM deal that contains up to $2.5MM in bonus money based on innings totals, but he’ll have trouble hitting any of those innings thresholds if he misses substantial time on the IL.
The Tigers signed Pineda to add some veteran experience to their young staff, and just five weeks into the season, that pitching depth has already been sorely tested. Tarik Skubal has been excellent and Eduardo Rodriguez has started to turn things around after a rough start, but Detroit has turned to Beau Brieske, Alex Faedo, and Joey Wentz to all make their first Major League starts.
Faedo was already expected to be recalled from Triple-A to start Monday’s game, and Brieske will likely stick in the rotation after having posted some decent results to date. Wentz could also get another look for a start or two until the Tigers feel Manning is ready to be activated from the injured list.
Wow, stinks for Detroit, good numbers so far. At 6’7, 280 lbs, i’m glad I don’t have to feed him!
Aaron Judge is 6’7” and 280 lbs. pretty sore looking at their builds that Pineda is 350!
I still say he’s an alien. The real Micheal Pineda was eaten by whomever this really is.
He’s definitely been spending time at the beer and pasta bar.
Don’t call the Tigers unlucky. The front office is inept. Will the Reds, Nats or Tigers get the first pick 2023? The other comparable teams are still in a tear down faze of their rebuilds. This is the product of the Tigers completed rebuild.
Pineda was actually pitching quite well, even more so given his salary. How could a sensible person possibly blame the front office for such a freak injury?
Gruß,
BSHH
I’m not blaming the front office for injuries. My point isn’t even the poor record. They took 6 years to build this team.
So inept that they signed a guy who would end up fracturing his finger? Good thing they have depth.
Turnbull, Mize, Manning, Alexander, and Pineda. The Tigers have 5 starters on the DL, but its the hitting that has been hurting this team, not the pitching. Seasons not over. Front office built depth.
And the poor defense and mental lapses by veterans.
Why do you think the rebuild is completed?? The teardown just finished and the build up just started. This is hardly a completed rebuild.
Speedy recovery, Big Mike.
Still not sure why nobody looks at Rick Porcello just to eat up innings. Tigers might be OK, Skubal has been great, Rodriguez getting better, then hope for the best with Briskie, Faedo, Wentz. Do you get the feeling Mize is going Tommy John?
Porcello wasn’t good in 2019 or 2020 and he didn’t play in 2021. We have better options at this point. It sounds like Manning is due back soon, so E-Rod, Skubal, Manning, Brieske, Faedo – not horrible. And yes, I do have a gut feeling Mize is headed for TJ but I hope I’m wrong.
Pineda looks like CC Sabathia out there. Same uniform. They just changed the number and logo.
It gives Wentz a chance for a few more starts so the team can see what he’s got. Miguel needs to play for more than next year too. He’s still one of the teams best, even at his age. He should retire like David O did, when he wants to, because he still gets it done at the plate. I hope he keeps playing here after next season, because he’s the man.
Unfortunately, Miguel hasn’t been the man since 2016. He plays to negative WAR. A replacement at 2 WAR would have been worth at least 12 more wins than Cabrera over the past 5.25 seasons. Stats don’t lie.
To be fair, Miggy is playing well right now. His OPS+ is well over 100, let’s hope he can keep it up.
life is better when miggy produces
I think the Tigers would gladly take the ticket & jersey sales he has generated of the last 5 years than the extra 2+ wins a year
Pineda injured and Mize suffers a setback with his rehab… The hits just keep on coming.
Reyes and Meadows were just pulled from today’s game… Not good.
Looks like Wentz will get another start after all.
Actually, Pineda broke his finger when both he and Cabrera grabbed for the same biscuit.
Pull my finger- Beavis
So this is Avila’s 6 year rebuild
“Placed Michael Pineda on the DL” has to be one of those phrases that someone should have copyrighted for the royalties. Talent guy when healthy.
I get it, but to be fair, that ball was scorched back him and hit off his hand. It was something like 105mph. Nothing he could’ve done with it.
If not that I’m sure he would’ve strained a fat roll at some point.
FINALLY, they get a lead off hitter back. Trade Grossman when he gets hot, and bring Greene up when ready, and put Victor in right full time. Victor, a speedy switch hitter who can hit, and not cost 6 million a year to lead off. Can’t get better than that.
Reyes is a possible fourth outfielder, nothing more.
Reyes just got hurt again… Let’s hope it’s not too serious.
Willi Castro is doing some vodoo to make sure he stays in the lineup?
Maybe they’ll bring up Kody Clemens, he’s long overdue for an opportunity.
One AB and he’s back on the shelf. The Tigers are fragile.
Injuries happen, it’s nobody’s fault. But it is annoying as hell.
Honestly. 80& of the opening day staff hurt now. Another day another injury it seems.
And yet the Tigers still have the 6th best ERA in the AL.
It’s the offense that desperately needs to improve… I think it’s finally starting to happen.