Angels Demote Joel Pineiro To Bullpen

ANAHEIM (AP) -- The Los Angeles Angels have demoted right-hander Joel Pineiro to the bullpen following his fourth poor start in a row.

Angels manager Mike Scioscia made the move Thursday, one day after Pineiro was charged with seven runs over 4 1-3 innings in a 12-4 loss to Minnesota.

No decision has been made on who will take his place in the rotation.

Pineiro is 5-6 with a 5.31 ERA in 18 starts. In his last four games, the 32-year-old Pineiro has been tagged for 22 earned runs, 29 hits and five homers in just 13 1-3 innings.

Pineiro is in the final season of a two-year, $16 million contract.

He spent the first 25 games of the season on the disabled list because of shoulder stiffness.

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