Article in Boston Herald earlier this week, which could serve as a caution flag that the bullpen could come in a little earlier than usual...
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- Pedro Martinez has acknowledged that he was indeed bothered by a minor back problem when he walked an uncharacteristic six batters in Tuesday's 5-4 win over the Rangers.
Martinez ended the confusion regarding the status of his health by telling NESN broadcaster Jerry Remy that he's been bothered by a small but nagging knot in his lower back since getting pounded by the Baltimore Orioles for 10 runs in only 4 innings on April 12.
The three-time Cy Young Award winner came within one of matching a career high with the six walks on Tuesday. Manager Grady Little said the pitcher was bothered by slight stiffness in the back but trainer Jim Rowe insisted that nothing was wrong. Martinez maintained his new code of silence, which added unnecessary confusion.
The ailment is only one reason why the team plans to keep an extra close eye on him in his next start on Sunday in Anaheim. Martinez also threw a season-high 121 pitches on Tuesday and will be working on four days' rest for the second consecutive outing.
``We'll probably monitor him a little more closely,'' Little said.
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- Pedro Martinez has acknowledged that he was indeed bothered by a minor back problem when he walked an uncharacteristic six batters in Tuesday's 5-4 win over the Rangers.
Martinez ended the confusion regarding the status of his health by telling NESN broadcaster Jerry Remy that he's been bothered by a small but nagging knot in his lower back since getting pounded by the Baltimore Orioles for 10 runs in only 4 innings on April 12.
The three-time Cy Young Award winner came within one of matching a career high with the six walks on Tuesday. Manager Grady Little said the pitcher was bothered by slight stiffness in the back but trainer Jim Rowe insisted that nothing was wrong. Martinez maintained his new code of silence, which added unnecessary confusion.
The ailment is only one reason why the team plans to keep an extra close eye on him in his next start on Sunday in Anaheim. Martinez also threw a season-high 121 pitches on Tuesday and will be working on four days' rest for the second consecutive outing.
``We'll probably monitor him a little more closely,'' Little said.
