Yankees pitcher Pineda banned 10 games for pine tar

BOSTON (AP) — New York Yankees pitcher Michael Pineda was suspended for 10 games today after being caught using pine tar. He said he won't appeal the penalty that will cost him two starts.

"I accept it," Pineda said before tonight's game at Fenway Park. "I know I made a mistake."

The commissioner's office announced the ban, which started immediately.

Pineda was ejected in the second inning of Wednesday night's 5-1 loss at Fenway Park after umpires found the pine tar on his neck.

After the game, Pineda admitted he used the pine tar to help him grip the ball on a cool, windy night.

"I feel so bad," Pineda said today. He said he had never used pine tar before this season.

The ejection set off a debate in the baseball world about pitchers who try pine tar, and whether it should be allowed in certain circumstances. Many former aces said they had done it, albeit in a more discreet manner.

Rule 8.02(b) prohibits pitchers from altering the ball to gain an unfair advantage, and forbids them from having a foreign substance on them or in their possession on the mound.