Pedro Martinez To Make Rehab Start Versus Washington Nationals (Humor)

Unable to locate a Double-A team with space on its schedule, the Philadelphia Phillies have secured the Washington Nationals as an opponent for newly signed pitcher Pedro Martinez's rehab start next week. “We want to ease Pedro back into the groove,” said Phillies general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. “We didn’t want him facing major league hitters until his arm strength gets to where he is comfortable. “The Nationals are a perfect fit for that.” Nationals pitcher John Lannan could not contain his excitement. “What a thrill, to be on the same field as a major league team,” said Lannan. “It’s every kid’s dream to be on the field with actual major league ballplayers. “Do you think (Phillies second baseman) Chase Utley will give me an autograph?” The Nationals were resistant at first to playing at home, as they lose tens of thousands of dollars on every home game. “An extra home game? No way,” said ...