The Pittsburgh Pirates have recalled right handed pitcher Joe Martinez from Indianapolis. Martinez was acquired by the Pirates from the San Francisco Giants on July 31st, along with outfielder John Bowker, in exchange for Javier Lopez. Bowker was recalled by the Pirates when rosters expanded on September 1st.
Martinez was used mostly as a starter in AAA after the trade, although he will be used in relief in the majors. Martinez pitched nine innings in relief in AAA with the Pirates, with a 2.00 ERA, and a 4:1 K/BB ratio. In 19.1 innings as a starter he posted a 7.45 ERA with a 14:6 K/BB ratio. Martinez worked almost exclusively as a starter in the Giants system this year, with a 3.32 ERA in 81.1 innings in the hitting friendly Pacific Coast League.
Martinez has 41 career innings in the majors, with a 6.80 ERA, and a 22:18 K/BB ratio. This year he has a 4.91 ERA and a 3:6 K/BB ratio in 11 innings with the Giants. Martinez made his debut in early April 2009, but was hit in the head with a line drive in his second appearance. He missed about four months, and returned in early August as a starter in the San Francisco rotation, before finishing off the season in the bullpen. In his four major league appearances this year, Martinez made just one start.
