Mariners name Dominican Michael Pineda as fifth starter

Michael Pineda was ranked as the number 16 overall prospect in the Baseball America top 100 this off season, but with a strong Spring he forced his way into the Mariners rotation as the fifth starter.

Pineda is 6 foot 7 inches and is a true power pitcher.  He went 11-4 with a 3.34 ERA and 10K/9 innings in Double-A and Triple-A last year.

He is just 21 years old and should debut on April 5 against Texas.  We should see plenty of Dominican versus Dominican match ups in that game, as the Rangers have the most Dominican players on their big league club out of any team in the majors.

Pineda is from Yaguate, DR.