Carlos Martinez is no longer needed in St. Louis’ rotation following trades for Justin Masterson and John Lackey, but rather than shifting him back to the bullpen the Cardinals have decided to send the 22-year-old right-hander to Triple-A.
Martinez was a starter throughout his minor-league career and ranked as one of the best starter prospects in baseball before debuting with the Cardinals as a reliever last season, so presumably they want to keep him stretched out and making regular turns in the rotation at Triple-A in case he’s needed as a starter down the stretch. Or perhaps to prepare Martinez for his likely role in 2015.
Last season at Triple-A he started 13 games with a 2.51 ERA and 63/27 K/BB ratio in 68 innings as a 21-year-old.