HOUSTON — Opportunity will knock for Houston Astros right-hander Francis Martes on Wednesday night despite the fact that he is not quite ready for the moment.
An avalanche of injuries to its rotation has forced Houston to fast track Martes, its top pitching prospect, into his first career start opposite the Texas Rangers. Martes (0-0, 9.82 ERA) made his major league debut on June 9 against the Los Angeles Angels, allowing four runs on four hits and two walks over 3 2/3 innings of relief. His 78 pitches were the third most by an Astros reliever in his debut.