Phils prospect Martin begins rehab assignment

PHILADELPHIA -- Phillies right-hander Ethan Martin began a Minor League rehab assignment on Sunday, pitching a scoreless inning with Class A Advanced Clearwater.

Martin, ranked No. 8 on MLB.com's Top 20 Phillies Prospects list, began the season on the 15-day disabled list after straining his right shoulder during Spring Training. He started eight games for the Phillies last year, but the club decided to send him to the bullpen after his injury. In addition to building arm strength during his rehab assignment, Martin still needs some seasoning as a reliever.

"Yeah, just monitor him, see what he looks like," Phillies manager Ryne Sandberg said Monday. "There's some grooming there, but it'll also allow him to build his arm up at a reasonable pace, reasonable time frame, but also keep tabs on him."