Monday, 25 February 2013 16:34

Written by Bill Brink

FORT MYERS, Fla. — Kyle McPherson’s two innings of work unfolded in opposite directions. He threw seven pitches, all strikes, in the first inning, when he retired the side in order. In the second, he started each batter with a ball and threw five balls out of eight pitches.

Clint Hurdle said McPherson did not go back out for the third inning because the team is treating him with caution after he experienced biceps tendinitis during the winter.

"We've got plenty of time to get his pitch count where it needs to be," Hurdle said.

McPherson allowed a single and a hard line drive in the second, but Garrett Jones snagged the liner and turned the double play, allowing McPherson to throw only eight pitches in the inning. He threw 15 total pitches, 10 strikes.

"This year there's that spot in the rotation, I want to be healthy and ready to go," McPherson said. "Definitely doing the workload that I need to to go out there and get after it every day."

***Jeanmar Gomez allowed four runs on three hits and two walks in 11/3 innings.

***Travis Snider doubled in his first at-bat and hit a sacrifice fly in his second.

***Jose Tabata hit a solo home run, a line-drive shot to left-center.

***Wandy Rodriguez, who is starting Tuesday, will pitch once more after that before leaving for the World Baseball Classic, Hurdle said.

Lineup for Tuesday vs. Orioles at McKechnie Field:

1. Marte 7
2. Martin 2
3. McCutchen 8
4. Alvarez 5
5. Walker 4
6. Jones 3
7. G. Sanchez DH
8. Hawpe 9
9. Barmes 6
Rodriguez LHP

After Rodriguez, Andy Oliver, Mike Zagurski, Vin Mazzaro, Bryan Morris, Hunter Strickland and Duke Welker will pitch Tuesday.