Off Topic
Martas Setback Boon For Unheralded Lefty
August 3, 2047: YELLOW SPRINGS – When Ernesto Martas was officially diagnosed with a “dead arm,” Wilson Reyes was given his chance to shine. Some are saying that Martas’s setback may well have been brought on by the fact that Reyes has done just that.
Reyes has thrown four innings in the three game’s he’s appeared in since his call-up. So far, so good—two hits and a walk, no runs.
He’s aware of the steep hill he climbs as he tries to break into what has become perhaps one of the best bullpens of all time. “You look out at the guys in this clubhouse and you wonder how it’s possible to find innings. But life is hard sometimes.” Reyes—who appeared in one game last season (hitting a batter and getting another out)—had been placed on waivers last off season before being retracted and left on the 40-man roster after Omaha had attempted a claim. In some ways, he admits it might have been nicer to have been left to the Cyclones—or perhaps traded. “I want to be a big league pitcher,” he said. “So, yeah, it’s hard. But I’m happy to have the chance to play now. We’ll see what happens.”
MARTAS RETURN UNCERTAIN
The medical report on Martas suggests the left-handed reliever (1.24 ERA, 29 innings) will be available soon—some saying as soon as only a few days. Others note, however, that Martas has been coddled a bit due to injury concerns, and that he’s had a few minor bumps and bruises this season that has cost him time on the Injured List already.
Rumors are that the office pool is running even-split on whether Martas’s return will be this week or not.