Ethan Martin's phillies debut did not go as planned on Thursday. Technically in zero innings of work, Martin surrendered three runs. More of a concern than Martin giving up three hits and a walk without recording an out was that Martin was headed for an MRI after the game.
The results of that MRI are in and not good. According to many reports, including MLB.com's Todd Zolecki, Martin has a strain of his right shoulder capsule and triceps. This will keep Martin from throwing a baseball for at least three weeks. Pitching in a game is a much different matter, so this all but precludes Martin from opening the season with the Phillies.
The Phillies were stretching Martin out to be starting rotation depth, despite even the club saying last season that he was probably better suited for the bullpen. With Cole Hamels and Jonathan Pettibone sidelined with injuries already, the Phillies are quickly getting thin.
