Pedro Pushing for Big League Return
August 15th, 2007 11:51 PM
Via Laurel Scheffel of Newsday:
Pedro Martinez is pushing the idea that he needs just one more rehab start before joining the Mets.
His pitching lines in his first two rehabilitation starts wouldn’t indicate he is ready, but after pitching four innings yesterday with the rookie Gulf Coast League Mets, Martinez is growing anxious to make his return to the big leagues.
“I need to pitch in the big leagues,” Martinez said. “I feel like my pitches are improving, but I can’t tell you how good I am until I get a big-league hitter out. I am already pushing the issue, but it’s going to take me a little while still.”
Pedro got knocked around in his 4th and final inning of work yesterday, allowing three runs on three hits, culminating with a 3-run homer to minor leaguer Pedro Baez. However prior to the fourth the convalescing ace had thrown three perfect innings, mowing down the order on just 31 pitches, and admitted that his concentration level may have wavered in the fourth. …