Angels demote struggling Pineiro to bullpen

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.