Michael Pineda Hopeful to Remain With Twins Following 60-Game PED Suspension

Michael Pineda was having a nice comeback season after missing more than a year because of Tommy John Surgery. Unfortunately, Pineda's resurgent campaign ended after he was dealt a 60-game PED suspension earlier this week.

But the big righty hopes his tenure with the Minnesota Twins isn't over.

Michael Pineda Hopes To Stay With Twins https://t.co/BlGTIaqf8V pic.twitter.com/xziNacq5HM
— MLB Trade Rumors (@mlbtraderumors) September 12, 2019

The pending free agent told reporters that he would love to re-sign with the Twins in the offseason but admitted he wasn't sure what his future holds.

Whichever team signs the 30-year-old won't have him until next May as his suspension will cost him the first 39 games in 2020.

Pineda finished 2019 with an 11-5 record. He logged a 4.01 ERA and 140 strikeouts in 146 innings and recorded a 1.158 WHIP. The veteran could have expected a pretty decent pay day this offseason, but that dream was most likely slashed due to his suspension.

Losing Michael Pineda for the rest of the season and the playoffs is a big blow to the Twins. He had been their best starter since the All-Star break, with a 3.04 ERA and 56 strikeouts against 12 walks in 53.1 innings. Minnesota was 6-3 across those nine starts.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) September 7, 2019

The AL Central-leading Twins would surely love to re-sign Pineda on the cheap. The small market club is set to lose four of its five starters, including Pineda, to free agency after the year, and while they will likely work to retain most of them, if they can lure back Pineda on a bargain, they'd be wise to do so.

But for now, Minnesota must replace their hurler as the team tries to clinch the division and go deep into the playoffs.