The Cardinals have named the pitcher who will be the 5th starter in the rotation: Carlos Martinez. This decision came after Jaime Garcia’s renewed shoulder issues and was announced on Monday. Jaime Garcia would have likely been given the position however Martinez has held his own posting 3.94 ERA and 16/5 K/BB ratio across 16 innings during his time in Florida’s Grapefruit League.
In the beginning of spring training, Mike Matheny wanted Martinez to control his emotions. When Matheny told Martinez the good news, there was no reaction or emotion from Martinez.
“It kinda backfired when I told him because I didn’t get much. I told him to work on his emotions, and see that’s what he is doing! He really took my advice,” Matheny said and laughed on Monday.
The Cardinals edged out the New York Mets 5 to 4 yesterday April 1, 2015 as Martinez pitched six scoreless innings scattering 3 hits, struck out 5 and walked one runner.
“I worked better today and I felt better than any other start,” Martinez said through a translator. “My changeup was my best pitch, I feel, and my slider was my best pitch after my changeup.”
Cardinals manager Mike Matheny hopes Martinez can stay consistent as he becomes a key attribute in the Cardinal’s pitching rotation. Lance Lynn will start for their season opener against Milwaukee on April 13th, and Adam Wainwright will start against St. Louis April 15th. He will be followed by the rotation of Lynn, John Lackey, Michael Wacha and Martinez.
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