Red Sox Had No Issue With Pineda’s Pine Tar

Apr 23, 2014; Boston, MA, USA; New York Yankees starting pitcher Michael Pineda (35) works during the first inning against the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports

While Boston Red Sox manager John Farrell was busy pointing out to umpires that Yankees’ starter Michael Pineda had pine tar all over the right side of his neck, after the game, two members of the Red Sox spoke up and each said they had no issue with what Pineda did. According to a report that appeared in a piece by Bredan Kuty of NJ.com, Red Sox catcher A.J. Pierzynski defended Pineda’s actions, stating that for safety purposes, he’d encourage him to do it again:

"I’m all for it,” Pierzynski said. “Put it on your pants, in your glove, on your belt. Where ever. You just can’t do it that way. h/t Brendan Kuty of NJ.com"

It appears that fans and the media covering last night’s game are making more out of the situation than it should really be. Former Angels and Rangers catcher, and current Red Sox first baseman Mike Napoli didn’t shy away from sharing his feelings about what Pineda did against his team either: “Every pitcher does it,” he said.

The pine tar on Pineda’s neck first became noticeable when ESPN, one of the networks covering the game, began discussing last week’s pine tar issues with Pineda, and focused in on what appeared to be a glossy streak on the right side of the neck. Once the Red Sox became aware of it during the 2nd inning, it was just a matter of time before Pineda was inspected, ejected, and most likely facing suspension from MLB VP of Operations, former Yankees’ skipper Joe Torre. The blatant ignorance or arrogance of Pineda is gonig to cost him most likely one start, as the Yankees’ schedule works out to be able to spot start one pitcher, and have Pineda return to the fold the following day.