On Wednesday night against the Twins, Joel Pineiro allowed seven runs in 4 1/3 innings. That caused his ERA since the All-Star break to go down, from 15.00 to 14.85. On Thursday, as expected, Pineiro was removed from the rotation by manager Mike Scioscia, per Angels' play-by-play man Victor Rojas.
Pineiro could see the writing on the wall after last night's loss, even invoking a little Major League. "I wish I had an explanation, but I have no idea what's going on," Pineiro told Mike DiGiovanna of the Los Angeles Times. "I've tried everything. I've seen video, worked on mechanics, thrown in the bullpen. Honestly, the next thing I can do is sacrifice a live chicken."
The Angels have an off day on Monday, so they could skip what would have been Pineiro's rotation spot until next Saturday in Toronto if they so choose. It is unknown whom the replacement will be.
Tonight's 7:05 p.m. PDT game will be televised by Fox Sports West. For more news and information on the Angels, or on tonight's game, be sure to read Halos Heaven.