Not sure what this means for Garrett Mock, whose turn it normally would be. And for some reason, the Nationals' printed media notes here at Steinbrenner Field in advance of tonight's game against the Yankees lists right-hander Carlos Martinez as their starter.Martin hasn't pitched in a big-league game since March 10 but has appeared in minor-league games since then. Manager Jim Riggleman has maintained all along the right-hander is in contention for a spot either in the Opening Day rotation or bullpen.
UPDATE AT 7:03 P.M. -- Riggleman said he and club officials wanted to make sure Martin started a major-league game because he does remain in contention for a rotation spot.
"It's just the way it's worked out," Riggleman said. "We had some people we wanted to see against opposing competition. But we can't do that again with J.D. We've got to see him against the other uniform, instead of an intrasquad game, a minor-league game. Basically, it just wasn't right for him to keep pitching over there. We need to see him in front of a crowd."
Mock, by the way, will start in a minor-league game tomorrow to get his requisite work in.
5 comments:
Good news for Martin as I am hoping Livan Hernandez by default isn't in the Opening Day starting rotation because if he is one of the 5 best then June 4th can't come soon enough!
I heard Strustburg stuck out 9, but walked 3 in minor league camp today. Did you get a chance to see him pitch?
I'm still very worried about the Nats pen.
And somewhere Peric is smiling. Hopefully he has a good outing and maybe the team will carry Lannan, Marquis, Stammen, Mock and Martin north with them.
I just hope that all this happy talk about Mock is an attempt to build his confidence. Mock may have great stuff, but he's never been consistent (or effective) on the mound. Martin pitches. He throws strikes and keeps his composure. I still think he makes the rotation, as does Stammen. Maybe Livo's the odd man out, but I wouldn't be surprised to see the Mock decision reconsidered.
I watched JD throw 4 innings with umpires in a AAA game last week and was consistantly painting the black. Had to have been 75% strikes. No BB with around 4 k's & 3 little singles and 0 runs...Made me a believer I tell ya!!!
OLD GUY
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