TAMPA — Carlos Beltran stood in the visiting clubhouse at Fenway Park two years ago and watched Michael Pineda try to explain his ejection for using pine tar.
Pineda, a Dominican native, had worked hard over the years to learn English, wanting to be able to express himself properly to coaches, teammates and the media.
On this night, Pineda seemed to struggle to get the words out. He insisted on doing the interview in English rather than having a coach or team staff member translate for him.
“That was a really tough night,” Pineda said. “I’m a little sensitive and I was sad.