MIAMI -- The Florida Marlins' pitching staff is getting a
boost with Antonio Alfonseca rejoining the bullpen and Ismael
Valdez returning to the rotation.
Both right-handers have been sidelined much of the season with
injuries.
"It's like making a trade," manager Jack McKeon said Tuesday.
Alfonseca was activated after spending three months on the
disabled list with a stress fracture in his elbow. He's 0-1 with a
1.59 ERA in six games.
Valdez, who missed the first 3½ months of the season with a
broken right leg, will make his first start Wednesday against
Pittsburgh.
"I'm a little nervous," he said. "I just want to face some
hitters and do the best I can."
Valdez pitched two innings of relief Friday at San Francisco in
his first appearance of the year.
To make room on the roster for Alfonseca, the Marlins optioned
right-hander Randy Messenger to Triple-A Albuquerque. Right-hander
Nate Bump was transferred from the 15-day disabled list to the
60-day disabled list.