Phillies still undecided about Game 3 starter

PHILADELPHIA • Pedro Martinez wants the ball in another big game.

Phillies manager Charlie Manuel will consider giving the three-time Cy Young Award winner the start in Game 3.

Martinez was the only pitcher out of the three possible starting candidates that did not pitch Thursday in a 5-4 loss to the Rockies that evened the best-of-five series at a game apiece.

J.A. Happ and Joe Blanton both made cameo appearances out of the bullpen in Game 2. Their relief stints means Manuel’s decision on a Game 3 starter got a lot more complicated. Martinez wants to make it easy for him.
 
“I guess I’m the only one standing,” he said.

Blanton and Martinez are the likely candidates to start Saturday night in Denver.

Happ was knocked out of the game after one batter, when Rockies pinch-hitter Seth Smith hit a hard shot just under Happ’s left knee for an infield single.

“That is the thing that concerns me,” Manuel said.
Happ sustained a lower left leg contusion. X-rays were negative.

Manuel said he likely wouldn’t pick until after Philadelphia’s workout today in Colorado. Martinez believed the decision was obvious.

“I’ve been in this game long enough to understand it’s my spot,” Martinez said.

Happ said he felt some tightness after the game but planned to tell Manuel he could start Game 3.