NEW YORK -- In all probability, rookie Carlos Martinez's season is finished.

Plagued by elbow inflammation for the second time this season, Marlins manager Joe Girardi is not optimistic about the 24-year-old reliever making a return in 2006.

 

"You expect this to be a while," Girardi said Sunday.

 

Asked if Martinez will likely pitch again this season, Girardi added: "I haven't really thought about it, but I'd kind of be surprised. He missed two months before, and it's the same injury."

 

Martinez experienced discomfort in his elbow Thursday at Baltimore. He tossed just two pitches to Kevin Millar. After throwing a ball, he signaled something was wrong. He was placed on the 15-day disabled list after the game.

 

Martinez was placed on the DL the first time on April 17, and he was reinstated on June 2.

 

Martinez has appeared in 12 games, and he is 0-1 with a 1.74 ERA, logging 10 1/3 innings, striking out 11 while walking six. In a setup role, he pitched 3 2/3 innings over six games since June 2.

 

With a 95-mph fastball, Martinez was gaining experience in crucial setup situations. He also has the makings to be a future closer.

 

Now, on Monday, he is scheduled to pay a visit to Marlins team doctors for further evaluation. And on July 5, he is slated to meet with orthopedic surgeon Dr. James Andrews in Birmingham, Ala., to determine the severity of the inflammation. Andrews examined Martinez's arm in April.

 

Brought up to fill Martinez's roster spot is hard-throwing right-hander Chris Resop, who was recalled from Triple-A Albuquerque.

 

 

 

 

Link

 

 

Well, that sucks.

:sigh: Just get better K-Mart.

well at least we got a few other guys in the pen we can depend on : tank, logan, even messy and jobo

not a shocker

argh

 

:bangdesk

A visit to Dr. Andrews in his future?

With a 95-mph fastball

man, some tommy john surgery could do wonders to that fastball.

This is a big loss to the bullpen,but, our team can still function without him.

I sat right above the bullpen in the second game of the Braves series. He warmed up for a little while then motioned to Kranitz that he wasn't comfortable. They sat him and someone else went in for him.

 

A week later, he's pulled out of a game.

 

:confused

:guillotine

That's too bad. I liked his attitude. Kind of a Carlos Zambrano feel to him.