Jack Zduriencik addressed the media following today's 1-0 loss to the Twins and announced that Michael Pineda has indeed been shut down.

"The simple reason is because of innings. We had that he would pitch somewhere between 140 and 150 innings, he is at 141. Last year he had 47, the year before 138. Our decision is we think this is a prized product of ours, a guy we want to protect."

Zduriencik stressed that there is nothing wrong, no injury or concern in that regard.

The plan is to keep him with the Tacoma team while they make their playoff run then possibly bring him up to Seattle to spend a few days in the big league environment. While he will not pitch he will start a strength and conditioning program for next year that he will continue in Arizona through the instructional season after he leaves Seattle. He could also throw some side sessions there.

Zduriencik expects that Pineda will compete for a spot in the Mariners starting rotation in spring training.

"I think he comes into camp next year, that should be the mindset he has. We have seen this guy dominate this year. You never know how 22 year old kids are going to react in a spring training setting or being on a big league club but I think all the earmarks are there that this guy has a chance to have a very very good future. We feel strongly that this guy is going to have a great shot to make our club."