Maine scheduled to start Marlins' spring opener

JUPITER, Fla. -- John Maine, a candidate for the fifth starter spot in Miami's rotation, will get the nod for the Marlins in their Grapefuit League opener Saturday against the Cardinals.

Maine, who last pitched in the big leagues in 2010, will take the ball first and throw two innings, manager Mike Redmond said Monday.

The 31-year-old right-hander pitched from 2004-10 with the Orioles and Mets. He spent last season in the Yankees' system with Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, where he went 8-5 with a 4.97 ERA.

"He's one of those guys we're looking at to see if he can be the fifth starter," Redmond said. "He's definitely in the mix. We'll see if he can get back on track."

Maine's best season came with the Mets in 2007, when he went 15-10 with a 3.91 ERA over 191 innings.

"We're not concerned about what happened in the past," Redmond said. "We're worried about moving forward, and what he can do now. I know that he's had success in the past. If he can come back and be that guy, it's going to be a big help for our team."

Tom Koehler, Brad Hand, Steve Cishek, Mike Dunn, Chad Qualls, Dan Jennings and Michael Wuertz are all scheduled to pitch in relief of Maine.