Mariners right-handed pitching prospect Michael Pineda is striking out batters at an impressive rate for Triple-A Tacoma. Pineda has made nine starts in the Pacific Coast League, going 3-2 with a 3.67 ERA in 49 innings. He has struck out 59 batters (against just 13 walks) for an average of 10.8 strikeouts per nine innings. Seattle signed Pineda as a non-drafted free agent December 12, 2005. The right-hander has recorded 10 or more K's in three of his nine starts.