Marlins decide against signing Martinez

Wednesday, Feb. 12, 1997 | 11:59 a.m.

MIAMI -- The Florida Marlins decided against signing pitcher Dennis Martinez because of doubts about whether his right arm is sound.

The Marlins were ready to give Martinez a shot at a spot in their rotation, but the team backed off Tuesday after reviewing results of a physical examination.

"Our medical reports were not favorable enough for us to warrant offering Dennis a contract," general manager Dave Dombrowski said.

The 42-year-old Martinez missed the final two months last season with a strained tendon. He was 9-6 with a 4.50 ERA in 20 starts for Cleveland.

A Miami resident, Martinez wanted to finish his career in front of his family and hometown fans. The Nicaraguan needs four victories to overtake Juan Marichal, whose 243 wins are the most of any Latin.

Pat Rapp, Mark Hutton, Rick Helling and Livan Hernandez will contend for the two vacancies in the Marlins' rotation.

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