Joel Piñeiro

{{short description|Puerto Rican baseball player (born 1978)}} {{Use American English|date=April 2026}} {{Use mdy dates|date=July 2024}} {{Infobox baseball biography |name=Joel Piñeiro |image=Joel Piñeiro on July 23, 2011.jpg |width=240 |caption=Piñeiro pitching for the Angels in 2011. |team= |position=Pitcher |bats=Right |throws=Right |birth_date={{birth date and age|1978|9|25}} |birth_place=Río Piedras, Puerto Rico |debutleague = MLB |debutdate=August 8 |debutyear=2000 |debutteam=Seattle Mariners |finalleague = MLB |finaldate=September 25 |finalyear=2011 |finalteam=Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim |statleague = MLB |stat1label=Win–loss record |stat1value=104–93 |stat2label=Earned run average |stat2value=4.41 |stat3label=Strikeouts |stat3value=1,058 |teams= * Seattle Mariners ({{mlby|2000}}–{{mlby|2006}}) * Boston Red Sox ({{mlby|2007}}) * St. Louis Cardinals ({{mlby|2007}}–{{mlby|2009}}) * Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim ({{mlby|2010}}–{{mlby|2011}}) |medaltemplates= {{MedalSport|Men's baseball}} {{MedalCountry|{{bb|PUR}}}} {{MedalCompetition|World Baseball Classic}} {{MedalSilver|2017 Los Angeles|Team}} }}

'''Joel Alberto Piñeiro''' ({{IPA|es|xoˈel piˈɲejɾo}}, {{IPAc-en|dʒ|oʊ|ˈ|ɛ|l|_|p|ɪ|n|ˈ|j|ɛər|oʊ}}; born September 25, 1978) is a Puerto Rican former professional baseball pitcher. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Seattle Mariners, Boston Red Sox, St. Louis Cardinals, and Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. He officially retired after appearing on the 2017 World Baseball Classic roster for Puerto Rico.

==Professional career==

===Seattle Mariners=== Piñeiro began the {{mlby|2004}} baseball season as a promising starting pitcher for the Seattle Mariners. The previous two years he started in 60 games, won a total of 30 games, and produced a 3.52 ERA. 2004 though, turned into a dismal year with Piñeiro posting a 4.67 ERA and the first losing record of his career (6 wins – 11 losses). Piñeiro suffered another problem when he was placed on the disabled list July 27, 2004, with a sore elbow<ref>{{Cite web |date=July 28, 2004 |title=Mariners place Pineiro on 15-day disabled list |url=http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/wire?section=mlb&id=1847693 |website=ESPN}}</ref> and missed the remainder of the season.<ref>{{Cite news |date=August 24, 2004 |title=Mariners not pushing Pineiro after elbow injury |url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/news/story?id=1867092 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241205124022/https://www.espn.com/mlb/news/story?id=1867092 |archive-date=2024-12-05 |work=ESPN}}</ref>

Piñeiro continued his struggles in {{mlby|2005}} and was optioned to Triple-A Tacoma on May 14.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2005-05-15 |title=Seattle shakeup: M's demote Pineiro, put Moyer on hold |url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/news/story?id=2060495 |access-date=2025-10-10 |website=ESPN.com |language=en}}</ref> He returned to the majors and started in 30 total games; however he was unable to return to his previous form and posted a 5.62 ERA for the year.

In {{mlby|2006}}, Piñeiro was pulled from the starting rotation again on August 26, and placed in the bullpen.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Hickey |first=John |date=August 16, 2006 |title=Pineiro loses spot in rotation; Woods will take over |url=http://blog.seattlepi.nwsource.com/baseball/archives/105873.asp |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060828064044/http://blog.seattlepi.nwsource.com/baseball/archives/105873.asp |archive-date=2006-08-28 |work=Seattle Times}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Baker |first=Geoff |author-link=Geoff Baker (journalist) |date=2006-09-19 |title=M’s Notebook {{!}} Pineiro out, Woods back in |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/sports/ms-notebook-pineiro-out-woods-back-in/ |access-date=2025-10-10 |website=The Seattle Times |language=en-US}}</ref> His 6.36 ERA was the highest in the major leagues.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Major League Leaders {{!}} 2006 |url=https://www.fangraphs.com/leaders/major-league?pos=all&stats=pit&lg=all&qual=y&type=8&month=0&ind=0&startdate=&enddate=&season1=2006&season=2006&sortcol=16&sortdir=desc&pagenum=1 |website=FanGraphs}}</ref>

Following the 2006 season, the Mariners declined to tender Piñeiro a contract offer, making him a free agent.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2006-12-13 |title=Mariners decide Pineiro is expendable |url=https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2006/dec/13/mariners-decide-pineiro-is-expendable/ |access-date=2025-10-10 |website=Spokesman-Review}}</ref>

[[File:Joel Piñeiro.jpg|left|100px|thumb|Piñeiro with the Red Sox in {{baseball year|2007}}.]]

===Boston Red Sox=== On January 3, {{mlby|2007}}, he reached an agreement for a one-year deal with the Boston Red Sox,<ref>{{Cite news |last=Crasnick |first=Jerry |author-link=Jerry Crasnick |date=January 3, 2007 |title=Red Sox, Pineiro agree to preliminary $4 million deal |url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/news/story?id=2718865 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231225173238/https://www.espn.com/mlb/news/story?id=2718865 |archive-date=2023-12-25 |work=ESPN}}</ref> where he struggled as a member of the bullpen. On July 22, he was designated for assignment to clear a roster spot for Jon Lester.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2007-07-23 |title=Vets make way: Joel out, Julian to bullpen |url=https://www.bostonherald.com/2007/07/23/vets-make-way-joel-out-julian-to-bullpen/ |access-date=2025-10-10 |website=Boston Herald |language=en-US}}</ref> Piñeiro cleared waivers and accepted an assignment with the Triple-A Pawtucket Red Sox.<ref>{{Cite news |date=July 25, 2007 |title=Personnel Dept. |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/sports/2007/07/26/personnel-dept/2ee1afd0-758a-4a97-bc6f-5eaba5d8f7b2/ |work=Washington Post}}</ref>

===St. Louis Cardinals=== On July 31, 2007, Piñeiro was traded to the St. Louis Cardinals, with cash considerations, for a player to be named later (minor league outfielder Sean Danielson).<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://boston.redsox.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070731&content_id=2120044&vkey=news_bos&fext=.jsp&c_id=bos; |title=Sox ship Pineiro to Cardinals |access-date=2007-07-31 |archive-date=2011-06-06 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110606230043/http://boston.redsox.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070731&content_id=2120044&vkey=news_bos&fext=.jsp&c_id=bos; |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/transactions/index.jsp?c_id=bos&year=2007&month=11 |title=Boston Red Sox Transactions: Nov 2007 |work=MLB.com |access-date=2008-08-05}}</ref> In his debut start with the Cardinals on August 4 vs. the Washington Nationals, he pitched 5 innings, giving up 7 hits, 5 runs (4 earned), 2 walks, 2 strikeouts, 1 home run while taking his second loss of the year in the Cardinals 12–1 loss.

In his home debut with the Cardinals on August 9 against the San Diego Padres, he out-pitched Chris Young, giving up only 4 hits, 0 runs, 0 walks, and earning 4 strikeouts, lowering his ERA to 4.50 for the year in winning his second game with the Cardinals in their 5–0 win. For the rest of 2007, Piñeiro showed some flashes of promise but general inconsistency, finishing with a record of 6–4 and posting an earned run average of 3.96 for his new team. thumb|Piñeiro in 2008 2008 was a season typified by inconsistency and a trip to the DL, as Piñeiro allowed home runs and 180 hits in {{frac|148|2|3}} IP, posting a 7–7 record and 5.15 ERA. However, leading into 2009, Piñeiro reinvented his approach, utilizing a sinking fastball to pitch to contact and concede more ground balls, while limiting the number of home runs allowed.<ref>[http://www.stltoday.com/stltoday/sports/stories.nsf/cardinals/story/9895B1EACF12110E8625761F00122AC4?OpenDocument St. Louis Cardinal Joel Piñeiro keeps pace] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090829151822/http://www.stltoday.com/stltoday/sports/stories.nsf/cardinals/story/9895B1EACF12110E8625761F00122AC4?OpenDocument |date=2009-08-29 }}</ref> In 32 starts, Piñeiro posted a 15–12 record with a 3.49 ERA and led the major leagues with 1.1 walks per nine innings pitched.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Joel Piñeiro Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Rookie Status & More |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/p/pineijo01.shtml |access-date=2025-10-10 |website=Baseball Reference}}</ref>

After the 2009 season, Piñeiro filed for free agency.

===Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim=== On January 22, 2010, Piñeiro signed a 2-year, $16 million deal with the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim.<ref>{{cite news |last=Heyman |first=Jon |author-link=Jon Heyman |date=January 20, 2010 |title=Angels, Pineiro reach 2-year deal |url=https://www.si.com/mlb/2010/01/21/angels-pineiro |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100125011612/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2010/baseball/mlb/01/20/angels.pineiro/index.html |archive-date=January 25, 2010 |access-date=January 27, 2010 |work=Sports Illustrated}}</ref>

Because of Piñeiro's volatile performance before the 2009 season, critics were split on the deal, with most wondering whether his sinkerball would continue to be effective in 2010. Taking the sinkerball as starting point, FanGraphs' Dave Allen thought, "the price was solid."<ref>{{cite web |last=Allen |first=Dave |title=Angels Sign Pineiro |url=http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/index.php/angels-sign-pineiro/ |publisher=Fangraphs |date=January 21, 2010}}</ref> Baseball Prospectus's Christina Kahrl pointed out the different starters that failed after leaving Cardinals pitching coach Dave Duncan's guiding hand. "There are so many unknowns that it makes the proposition that he'll deliver on this deal seem dubious", concluding "this just doesn't seem like it'll go well."<ref>{{cite web |last=Kahrl |first=Christina |author-link=Christina Kahrl |date=January 22, 2010 |title=Transaction Analysis Blog: Overpaying Pineiro and Little Sarge's Big Apple Adventure |url=http://baseballprospectus.com/article.php?articleid=9975 |access-date=January 27, 2010}}</ref> Meanwhile, ESPN's Rob Neyer said quality was not so important as quantity: Piñeiro would be worth the contract if he would just pitch 200 innings per season.<ref>{{cite web |last=Neyer |first=Rob |author-link=Rob Neyer |date=January 21, 2010 |title=Which Pineiro are Angels getting? |url=https://www.espn.com/blog/sweetspot/post/_/id/2107/which-pineiro-are-angels-getting |access-date=January 27, 2010 |work=ESPN.com}}</ref> His first season was cut short due to injury, starting only 23 games. The following season was met with another trip to the disabled list. He finished 7–7 in 27 games (24 starts). He became a free agent following the 2011 season.

===Philadelphia Phillies=== On January 15, 2012, Piñeiro signed a minor league deal that included an invitation to Spring Training with the Philadelphia Phillies.<ref>{{cite web |last=Stark |first=Jayson |author-link=Jayson Stark |date=January 15, 2012 |title=Source -- Philadelphia Phillies give Joel Pineiro minor league deal |url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/7465195/source-philadelphia-phillies-give-joel-pineiro-minor-league-deal |work=ESPN.com}}</ref> Piñeiro was released on March 19, after just six innings in spring training.<ref>{{cite web |last=Gleeman |first=Aaron |author-link=Aaron Gleeman |date=19 March 2012 |title=Phillies release veteran starter Joel Pineiro |url=https://www.nbcsports.com/mlb/news/phillies-release-veteran-starter-joel-pineiro |publisher=NBC Sports}}</ref>

===Baltimore Orioles=== On April 11, 2012, Piñeiro signed a minor league contract with the Baltimore Orioles. He made 5 starts split between the rookie-level Gulf Coast League Orioles, and Triple-A Norfolk Tides before missing the remainder of the season with a shoulder injury. Piñeiro elected free agency following the season on November 2.

Piñeiro re-signed with the Orioles on a new minor league contract on February 1, 2013. He was released by the Orioles organization on July 30.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Minor Moves: Adcock, Loe, Reynolds, Asencio, Pineiro|url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2013/07/minor-moves-reynolds-asencio-pineiro-below.html|access-date=July 22, 2024|website=mlbtraderumors.com|language=en}}</ref>

===Chicago Cubs=== On March 30, 2014, Piñeiro signed a minor league contract with the Chicago Cubs.<ref>{{cite web |title=Cubs, Pineiro agree to minor league deal |url=https://www.espn.com/espn/wire?section=mlb&id=10711807 |agency=Associated Press |work=ESPN.com |access-date=April 2, 2014 |date=April 1, 2014}}</ref> On June 6, the Cubs released Piñeiro.

===Los Angeles Angels (second stint)=== On June 7, 2014, Piñeiro signed a minor league contract to return to the Los Angeles Angels, a day after being released by the Cubs.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Wilmoth |first=Charlie |date=June 7, 2014 |title=Minor Moves: Spears, Pineiro, Worth, Angels |url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2014/06/minor-moves-angels-outright-three-pitchers.html |access-date=2025-12-26 |website=MLB Trade Rumors |language=en-US}}</ref> He was released on June 30, after being suspended 50 games for testing positive for a banned stimulant.<ref>{{cite web |last=Crasnick |first=Jerry |author-link=Jerry Crasnick |date=June 30, 2014 |title=Joel Pineiro suspended 50 games |url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/11158895/joel-pineiro-former-mlb-pitcher-suspended-50-games-testing-positive-banned-stimulant |access-date=May 9, 2015 |work=ESPN}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Oz |first=Mike |date=June 30, 2015 |title=Joel Pineiro released by the Angels, then suspended 50 games by MLB |url=https://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/mlb-big-league-stew/joel-pineiro-released-by-the-angels--then-suspended-50-games-by-mlb-234739469.html |access-date=May 9, 2015 |work=Yahoo Sports}}</ref>

===Toronto Blue Jays=== On May 9, 2015, Piñeiro signed a minor league contract with the Toronto Blue Jays.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.thescore.com/mlb/news/761712 |title=Report: Blue Jays sign Joel Pineiro to minor-league deal |last=Costabile |first=Kristina |work=thescore.com |date=May 9, 2015 |access-date=May 9, 2015}}</ref> He was assigned to the Double-A New Hampshire Fisher Cats, and later the Triple-A Buffalo Bisons. In 13 appearances (11 starts), Piñeiro posted a 5–4 record, 4.23 ERA, and 35 strikeouts in 76{{frac|2|3}} innings pitched.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=pineir001joe |title=Joel Pineiro Minor League Statistics & History |work=Baseball-Reference |access-date=July 22, 2015}}</ref> He was released on July 22.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://twitter.com/BuffaloBisons/status/623959232094695424 |title=Buffalo Bisons on Twitter |work=Twitter |date=July 22, 2015 |access-date=July 22, 2015}}</ref>

== International career == Piñeiro pitched for Puerto Rico in the 2006 World Baseball Classic, starting twice and allowing two earned runs in {{Fraction|8|2|3}} innings.<ref>{{Cite web |title=WBC Stats {{!}} WBC Team Stats {{!}} Puerto Rico |url=https://www.mlb.com/world-baseball-classic/stats/pitching/puerto-rico/2006 |access-date=2025-10-10 |website=MLB.com}}</ref> He was on Puerto Rico's roster for the 2017 World Baseball Classic but did not pitch in the tournament.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Lara-Cinisomo |first=Vince |date=2017-02-08 |title=2017 Puerto Rico World Baseball Classic Roster |url=https://www.baseballamerica.com/stories/2017-puerto-rico-world-baseball-classic-roster/ |access-date=2025-10-10 |website=Baseball America}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=WBC Stats {{!}} WBC Team Stats {{!}} Puerto Rico {{!}} 2017 |url=https://www.mlb.com/world-baseball-classic/stats/pitching/puerto-rico/2017 |access-date=2025-10-10 |website=MLB.com}}</ref> He retired after the tournament.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Piñeiro |first=Joel |date=2023-03-09 |title=World Baseball Classic insight from someone who played in it |url=https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/4287448/2023/03/08/world-baseball-classic-former-mlb-player/ |access-date=2025-10-10 |work=The Athletic}}</ref>

==Personal life== Piñeiro and his wife and four children.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Joel Pineiro Stats, Age, Position, Height, Weight, Fantasy & News |url=https://www.mlb.com/player/joel-pineiro-334492 |access-date=2025-10-10 |website=MLB.com}}</ref> Their son, also named Joel, has pitched in college baseball.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Joel Piñeiro - 2026 Baseball Roster |url=https://gobearcats.com/sports/baseball/roster/player/joel-pineiro |access-date=2025-10-10 |website=University of Cincinnati Athletics}}</ref>

==References== {{Reflist|2}}

==External links== {{Commons category}} {{Baseballstats |mlb=334492 |espn=4485 |br=p/pineijo01 |fangraphs=1094 |brm=pineir001joe}} *[http://stlcardinals.scout.com/a.z?s=321&p=8&c=1&nid=3273780 Joel Pineiro's page at stlcardinals.scout.com]

{{DEFAULTSORT:Pinero, Joel}} Category:1978 births Category:Living people Category:Sportspeople from Río Piedras, Puerto Rico Category:Baseball players from San Juan, Puerto Rico Category:Seattle Mariners players Category:Boston Red Sox players Category:St. Louis Cardinals players Category:Los Angeles Angels players Category:2006 World Baseball Classic players Category:2017 World Baseball Classic players Category:Major League Baseball pitchers Category:Major League Baseball players from Puerto Rico Category:Arizona League Mariners players Category:Everett AquaSox players Category:Wisconsin Timber Rattlers players Category:Lancaster JetHawks players Category:Orlando Rays players Category:New Haven Ravens players Category:Tacoma Rainiers players Category:Lowell Spinners players Category:Pawtucket Red Sox players Category:Memphis Redbirds players Category:Inland Empire 66ers players Category:Norfolk Tides players Category:Gulf Coast Orioles players Category:Tennessee Smokies players Category:New Hampshire Fisher Cats players Category:Buffalo Bisons (minor league) players Category:Colonial High School alumni Category:Florida SouthWestern Buccaneers baseball players Category:World Baseball Classic players of Puerto Rico Category:Doping cases in baseball Category:Puerto Rican sportspeople in doping cases