TAMPA -- Mike Redmond didn't actually come out and say Jacob Turner's rotation spot is suddenly in doubt. But it was clear from the tone in his voice that Redmond has serious concerns after Turner labored through three innings in a minor-league game on Thursday in Jupiter.
"He's definitely a concern," Redmond said. "I'm concerned about him. He's still got a couple of more outings, so hopefuly he can get it going. But he just struggled. Mostly command problems. His last outing was much better, but this one, it seemed like he scuffled. He had trouble with his command again, and that's defintely a concern."
Redmond said Turner issued three walks in his start against the Cardinals' Triple A team. Turner has made two Grapefruit League starts in which he's given up six earned runs in 3 1/3 innings, walking four, hitting a batter and striking out two. Turner also struggled last spring while still with the Detroit Tigers, giving up six earned runs in four innings, walking six and striking out just two.
"We need a guy in that rotation who can go in there and pound the strike zone and give us innings," Redmond said. "We're so young in that rotation that we've got to make sure that guy gives us the innings that we need. We are young there and we are going to have some times where guys will struggle through lineups."
Turner is schedule to make his next start on Tuesday. But if he doesn't show signs of improvement soon, it could open up a rotation spot for another candidate. John Maine, who is taking the mound today against the Yankees, is one possibility. Maine has given up one earned run in five innings this spring. Kevin Slowey is another possibility. He's allowed three earned runs in 9 1/3 innings.
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Redmond said both Placido Polanco (oblique) and Greg Dobbs (calf) would play Saturday against the Mets.
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Today's lineups:
Marlins: 1. Juan Pierre, lf; 2. Donovan Solano, 2b; 3. Kevin Kouzmanoff, 1b; 4. Austin Kearns, rf; 5. Rob Brantly, c; 6. Matt Downs, dh; 7. Adeiny Hechavarria, ss; 8. Nick Green, 3b; 9. Gorkys Hernandez, cf. P -- John Maine.
Yankees: 1. Brett Gardner, cf; 2. Derek Jeter, ss; 3. Ichiro Suzuki, lf; 4. Travis Hafner, dh; 5. Juan Rivera, rf; 6. Francisco Cervilli, c; 7. Ronnier Mustelier, 3b; 8. Dan Johnson, 1b; 9. Corban Joseph, 2b. P -- CC Sabathia.
