Atomic RoadRunners | Andrew Flynn’s High-Energy Fantasy Baseball

The Marlins sent down SP Rick VandenHurk to Double-A Carolina on Sunday, after he lasted only 2 1/3 innings in Florida’s 9-2 loss to the Pirates. He allowed four runs and five hits, struck out four, walked two and hit Nyjer Morgan with a pitch.

VandenHurk failed to get past the fourth inning in his first two starts this season, which isn’t exactly what manager Fredi Gonzalez was looking for from the Dutchman. With the way the Marlins pitching staff likes to get hurt, VandenHurk could be back up sooner rather than later, but he shouldn’t be held onto in any format. (CBS Sports)

FAAB Acquisition: Todd Wellemeyer, SP, St. Louis Cardinals ($5 bid) [active]

Down: P Jason Marquis

Cut: P Rick VandenHurk

Marlins optioned RHP Rick VandenHurk to Double-A Carolina.  It took just two sloppy starts for VandenHurk to lose his spot, not that he was any good in spring training while winning it. Ricky Nolasco will be moved up to start in his place on Friday, but the Marlins will still need a fifth starter for next Sunday’s game. They could turn to Chris Volstad or Burke Badenhop. VandenHurk failed to get past the fourth inning in his first two starts this season, which isn’t exactly what manager Fredi Gonzalez was looking for from the Dutchman. With the way the Marlins pitching staff likes to get hurt, VandenHurk could be back up sooner rather than later, but he shouldn’t be held onto in any format. (Rotoworld, CBS Sports)

Rick VandenHurk lasted just 2 1/3 innings after giving up four runs — two earned — against the Pirates on Sunday.  VandenHurk got through the first two innings unscathed, but he fell apart in the third. In the inning VandenHurk allowed two walks, a single, a double, and a hit batter before he finally departing. One batter also reached on an error, so VandenHurk’s ERA was spared some. The promising but inconsistent right-hander would be better off honing his command in the minors right now, but the Marlins appear to prefer sticking with him.  (Rotoworld)

Marlins SP Rick VandenHurk worked a no-decision in his 2008 debut Tuesday against the Mets. VandenHurk came out in the fourth inning after allowing a RBI single to Angel Pagan. He allowed three runs and six hits in three-plus innings. He also walked one and struck out three. The highlight, or even lowlight, of his start came in the second inning when he squared off against Pedro Martinez, who worked a 12-pitch at-bat against VandenHurk. Martinez eventually struck out swinging to end the inning, but by then, VandenHurk had already thrown 55 pitches. VandenHurk was pulled with two men on base and no outs in the fourth inning despite the Marlins holding a 4-1 lead, and reliever Renyel Pinto let both runners in. He needed 55 pitches to get through two innings, including a 12-pitch battle against Pedro Martinez, which is nothing new given that he led the NL with nearly 19 pitches per inning last season. He was at 74 pitches upon exiting, so the Marlins could have given him a chance to work his way out of a jam and potentially pick up a victory, but manager Fredi Gonzalez took heat for leaving his starter in too long on Opening Day. VandenHurk was the surprise second starter for the Marlins after their rotation had to get bounced around with Scott Olsen and Sergio Mitre dealt with injuries this spring. VandenHurk had a 4.35 ERA this spring, but was nothing really spectacular. Pretty much the same thing that could be said for his 2007 debut. VandenHurk remains a NL-only Fantasy option at this time. His next scheduled start is for Sunday against the Pirates. He has yet to face them in his major league career.  (CBS Sports, Rotoworld)