Cardinals pitcher Carlos Martinez missed most of spring training last year because of visa issues. This year, he wanted to make sure he is prepared for spring training, so he made six starts in the Dominican Winter League, according to MLB.com.
"I'm working hard right now and hopefully with all my hard work, I'll be in it," Martinez said through his translator and business manager Alexy Hernandez. "I thank God for the opportunity to be here. I have been working hard in the offseason to get to that (rotation) spot."
Martinez tossed 6 1/3 scoreless innings during two regular-season starts for Aguilas Cibaenas, while striking out nine and not issuing a walk in that span. In four postseason starts, he was 0-1 with a 4.15 ERA and 17 strikeouts in 17 1/3 innings. However, he pitched seven shutout innings in his final start.
"I wanted to get more experience as a starter and pitch to more quality guys to get the experience that I needed," Martinez said. "I wanted to work on certain pitches that I'll use as a starter before I come in and compete for that spot."