ride the pine

ride the pine

In sports (especially baseball), to remain sitting on the bench, rather than be an active participant in the game. Primarily heard in US. I'm not going to play next year if coach makes me ride the pine again this season. I rode the pine for the rest of the game after I pulled my hamstring sliding to first base.
See also: pine, ride
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

ride the pine (or bench)

(of an athlete) not participate in a game or event, typically because of poor form. North American informal
See also: pine, ride
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
See also:
  • chip
  • chips
  • get in there
  • up on (one's) ear
  • Two Bob
  • (as) dead as mutton
  • dead as mutton
  • mutton
  • one of the boys
  • one of the lads