Francis Martes vs. Tulsa: 5 IP, H, BB, K Corpus leads 5-0 as Evan Gattis (3-run) and D.J. Fisher (2-run) both smacked homers. Also, Alex Bregman is 2-2 with 2 runs scored.
Jordan Schafer..... pitched a 1-2-3 5th for Tulsa. I referred to him as "Former Astros great Jordan Schafer" on Twitter and apparently people were legitimately confused.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Francis Martes tosses 6 1-hit innings in season debut. At one point, retired 14 in a row. <a href="https://twitter.com/cchooks">@cchooks</a> in front of Tulsa 5-0 T7</p>— Michael Coffin (@CoffinMJC) <a href="https://twitter.com/CoffinMJC/status/718979710454091780">April 10, 2016</a></blockquote>
Martes only had 1 strikeout, kind of odd. Also interesting that he went 6 innings, maybe they won't tandem him which would mean they intend on promoting him quickly.
In the first three games, Hooks starters have thrown 16 innings without giving up an earned run, 5 hits and 3 walks....
Per Corpus Christi's game notes for today, Lance McCullers is scheduled to make his first rehab start tomorrow.
Musgrove likely gets a shot before Martes. I'm not sure we see Martes this season. Devenski's outing the other day also helped his cause in possibly being a future member of the rotation. Michael Feliz also probably gets another chance this season before Martes.
On Feliz, there is a very good chance he was sent down because he needed a few days off after pitching 4 innings. He only has to spend 10 days in the minors. Instead of being down a bullpen pitcher for 4 games, they sent Feliz down. My guess is that Feliz makes one start at AAA and is back in the majors.
You are correct. They needed immediate relief help, although it proved a moot point when Devenski's travel schedule prohibited from arriving at the Yankee game in time to be an emergency long man.
Unless he demolishes AA like Lance McCullers Jr. last year and forces the team's hand, I think he gets at least a half season of AA/AAA ball under his belt before getting some bullpen time/spot starts at the end of the season, if necessary. Honestly though, an injury to the pitching staff could make things really interesting.
That was certainly a factor in him being sent down, but I'm not so sure he makes it back. When McCullers comes off the disabled list, that will be his roster spot.
