DENVER -- Right-hander German Marquez's nine-strikeout performance for Triple-A Albuquerque on Thursday received strong reviews and should put him in line to start Tuesday night against the Nationals -- when the Rockies again need a fifth starting pitcher.
Throwing under a 75-pitch limit in the Isotopes' 8-3 victory over Reno, Marquez gave up a double to open the second inning before fanning six straight and, eventually, seven of eight. He yielded two runs on five hits in 4 2/3 innings. The mix of secondary pitches with his power fastball drew positive reactions from Rockies manager Bud Black, who was careful not to make an announcement about Tuesday even though indications point that way.