Rays reportedly work out Pedro

Posted Jun 11, 2009 by Marc Lancaster

Updated Jun 11, 2009 at 05:13 PM

Strange report out of the Dominican Republic today, as Listin Diario cites a source saying Pedro Martinez threw 20 pitches—all fastballs—for Rays officials in Santo Domingo and another workout (in which he’ll also use his breaking stuff) is scheduled.

To be quite honest, I’m not sure what the Rays would do with Martinez, given that they could hardly expect him to step in as the Pedro of old and they already have to find a rotation spot for Scott Kazmir when he’s ready to go. Not to mention the possibility that Wade Davis could be deemed ready at some point as the summer wears on.

Martinez, 37, last pitched in the World Baseball Classic in March. Coming off shoulder surgery, he went 5-6 with a 5.61 ERA in 20 starts for the Mets last season after making only five starts for them in 2007.

If I hear anything from Rays types about it, I’ll pass it along. But my initial read would be that Pedro needs the Rays more than the Rays need Pedro at the moment.

Updating: OK, I’ve heard that one of the Rays’ officials in the Dominican who has known Pedro for a while just watched him work out, but it doesn’t sound like the team expects anything to come of it.