Rick van den Hurk: The chances for Rick van den Hurk of making the starting rotation of the Florida Marlins are pretty slim right now. On Thursday he pitched in relief of Chris Volstad, allowing four hits, two runs and a walk in 1 2/3 innings. He struck out two with his ERA rising to 6.97. Volstad bolstered his candidacy according to a report on MLB.com although the numbers didn’t show it. On Saturday Clay Hensley could secure the fifth spot in his start against the Cardinals. Josh Johnson, Ricky Nolasco and Anibal Sanchez will complete the rotation. A decision likely will be announced by the end of the weekend.
Shairon Martis: Twelve months ago Shairon Martis made the starting rotation of the Nationals out of spring training. This year he will start the season in Triple-A. He was optioned to Syracuse on Monday alongside the reassigned Chris Duncan and Pete Orr. The 22-year-old right-hander is supposed to work on his control and his consistency. He had a 5-3 record with an ERA of 5.25 in 15 starts in the big leagues in 2009. In spring training Martis gave up eight runs in just 5 1/3 innings. He also will be a candidate for the bullpen in the future according to MLB.com.
Excerpt:
He was told by pitching coach Steve McCatty to improve his mechanics. If he returns to the Majors, Martis could work out of the bullpen.
“McCatty talked about a more consistent release point,” manager Jim Riggleman said. “Martis just needs to progress. As much as anything, the numbers don’t allow him to be with us right now. I’m confident that not only can he come up here and start, but pitch out of the bullpen.”
Sharlon Schoop: The 22-year-old Sharlon Schoop, who was named as the best under-23 national team player by the KNBSB last year, got assigned to the Major League spring training roster of the San Francisco Giants this week. He hasn’t played yet.
Curt Smith: His teammate at the Dutch national team, Curt Smith, made his debut this week. He was a late-inning replacement at first base in a game of the St. Louis Cardinals against the Boston Red Sox on Monday.
Hainley Statia: Infielder Hainley Statia remains in big league camp of the Los Angeles Angels for now, collecting his share of appearances as a late-inning defensive replacement. He is batting .133 (OBP .188/SLG .133) in 15 at-bats through 13 games.