Afternoon notes: Martin, Rodriguez

Tuesday, 26 February 2013 14:38

Written by Bill Brink

BRADENTON, Fla. -- Clint Hurdle scratched Russell Martin from today's lineup because of what Hurdle called "upper-body soreness," Hurdle said after the game against the Orioles was rained out.

"He's got some soreness that we're just going to get in front of," Hurdle said.

Martin participated in individual drills with Mike LaValliere while the team did infield practice. He bare-handed tossed balls and caught "pitches" while working on the pop out of his crouch when throwing to second. In both situations, he tossed the ball underhand back to LaValliere, indicating the issue affects his throwing motion.

Hurdle will keep Martin out of Wednesday's lineup and re-evaluate him Thursday, he said.

"It wasn't just one play," Hurdle said. "The amount of work he's been doing all over the joint, we're just going to slow him down a little bit."

***Hurdle said Wandy Rodriguez, today's scheduled starter, will pitch Wednesday in addition to A.J. Burnett. Hurdle will likley use today's lineup, which consisted of mostly major league starters, Wednesday.