Cardinals Plan to Activate Carlos Martinez Saturday
By Adam Weinrib
Carlos Martinez returns! In a far different capacity than we would've expected a year ago.
The Cardinals' former ace, at the end of a long road back to the bigs, plans to be activated by the team on Saturday in Texas, a half-season into his (temporary?) conversion to a bullpen role.
Carlos Martinez was examined by #stlcards medical staff back in STL today. He's now headed to Texas to meet up with the club and expects to be activated Saturday.
— Jenifer Langosch (@LangoschMLB) May 16, 2019
Before returning for his 2019 debut, Martinez attempted to pack a lot of transitioning into a short time frame, beginning a rehab assignment with Triple-A Memphis on May 7.
Carlos Martinez has arrived in Memphis. The @Cardinals pitcher will continue his rehab from a strained rotator cuff with the @memphisredbirds as he tries to work his way back to the bigs. pic.twitter.com/MjDxi9vOmc
— Mike Ceide (@MCeide_WREG3) May 7, 2019
It went well, if you like eventful bursts, but it didn't, if you prefer efficient results.
Carlos Martinez threw 20 pitches (14 strikes) in a rehab appearance for @Sgf_Cardinals today.
— Jenifer Langosch (@LangoschMLB) May 15, 2019
Packed a lot into two innings, too: 4 singles, 1 run, 1 HBP, 2 double plays.
Martinez will make his first appearance following a strained rotator cuff from the back of the 'pen, with the fifth spot in a strong Cardinals rotation still belonging to Dakota Hudson, scuffling with a 4.61 ERA, but in need of reps. Reportedly, Martinez could rejoin the rotation midseason.
At least, that's what he'd rather do.
Carlos Martinez appears close to a return and a role in the bullpen. Carlos says he’s fine with that but hopes to be back in the starting rotation at some point after the All-Star break. When healthy he’s a plus anywhere he lands.
— Jim Hayes (@TheCatOnFox) May 15, 2019
At some point in 2018, the Cards decided their ace of years past would be deemphasized. It worked, then it didn't, and he ended up scuffed. Now that the team, as a whole, is back to approaching contention, hopefully Martinez's arm miles are used more effectively this year overall.