Pedro Signs, Lands on the DL
Getty Images
Martinez was placed on the 15-Day DL with what the team called a "mild right shoulder strain."
The same day the Phillies signed injury-plagued former superstar pitcher Pedro Martinez they placed the 37-year-old on the 15-day disabled list with a "mild" right shoulder strain.
Wow, that didn’t take long. The injury-prone hurler wasn’t on the roster for more than a few minutes Wednesday before he landed on the DL.
But, Martinez landing on the DL wasn’t all doom and gloom.
He was going to take a few weeks to get into game shape. By landing on the DL Pedro can make a few rehabilitation starts in the minors so that he will be in Major-League form by the time he joins the team around August 1.
Despite going on the DL, the signing was full of upside in part because Pedro didn’t cost much.
The Phils got Pedro for $1 million a season with incentives totaling as much as another $1.5 million, according to MLB.com’s Todd Zolecki.
If Pedro wins two games in red pinstripes he would still be a better investment than other pitchers that didn’t pan out like Adam Eaton ($1.7 million per win) and Freddy Garcia ($10 million per win).
Even though Pedro’s best pitching days were behind him the Phils might steal five or six wins down the stretch if a rested Martinez throws even half as good as he once did.
And, he doesn't have to start. He could work out as a long reliever or even set-up man in the bullpen.
"I'll give them whatever they need," Martinez told reporters Wednesday afternoon.
So Philly join me as we welcome Petey into the fold. And, don’t fret -- the Phils could still pursue Roy Halladay to really round out the rotation.
Posted Thursday, Jul 16, 2009 - 1:01 AM EST
Top Stories
