Report: Michael Pineda Busted for DUI in Tampa

It’s good to see Michael Pineda is spending his extra time wisely.

Pineda, who the Yankees acquired in the offseason, won’t pitch this season after undergoing shoulder surgery, but perhaps his rehab should be taken a step further. The 23-year-old was arrested for driving under the influence in Tampa, authorities told the New York Post.

Pineda was reportedly driving on a busy road early Monday morning when he was stopped for speeding and “weaving” without his headlights on in his Nissan SUV.

“I could smell a distinct odor of an alcoholic beverage coming from his breath, and his speech was slurred,” a police officer reportedly wrote about Pineda. The right-handed hurler also “had a fixed gaze and his eyes were bloodshot, watery and glassy,” according to the report.

Pineda’s alcohol level was discovered to be lower than his 2011 ERA at .128 and .125 in two separate readings, but that’s still high enough for a DUI charge. Pineda was reportedly released on a $500 bond.

Considering New York shipped top prospect Jesus Montero to Seattle in order to obtain the promising starter, the front office has to be frustrated, although Yankees GM Brian Cashman would not comment on this latest issue.