The perils of Pineiro

Published 9:00 pm Thursday, June 15, 2006

Joel Pineiro has struggled so badly of late that the Mariners are mulling their “options” when his next turn in the starting rotation comes up next week against the Dodgers.

They can move Pineiro to the minor leagues to sort out whatever has knocked him from the rhythm that made him such an impressive pitcher in early May. They can drop him to the bullpen for some side work to help find the answer. Or they can leave Pineiro where he is and hope he rebounds in his next start.

With no clear-cut choice to replace him, either in their own bullpen or in the minor leagues, could it be that the Mariners simply are sending Pineiro a message through the media and hope it has an impact? Wouldn’t be the first time that has happened.