CLEARWATER, Fla. — Michael Pineda is pitching Saturday for the Detroit Tigers in his first spring training appearance.
The right-hander had his work visa approved, the Tigers learned Wednesday morning. He signed a one-year, $5.5 million contract March 18 but had to wait for his tourist visa to transfer to a work visa. Now, Pineda can work for the Tigers.
This means he can finally pitch in games.
"He will now be a full functioning member of the spring training schedule," Hinch said Wednesday. "He'll follow Eduardo (Rodriguez) on Saturday at our place for a couple innings.