Fernando

Martinez

Martinez singled and doubled in the first game and tripled and homered in the second. He’s batting .350 with two homers in five games since moving up to the Florida State League last week.

Martinez ended up missing a couple of months with a thumb injury, but he’s been just as productive at the plate since returning last month. The 17-year-old is hitting .335/.391/.495 in 188 at-bats.

Claimed off waivers in January, Martinez managed just a .174/.240/.391 batting line in camp. We have doubts that the former top prospect will be able to stay healthy and produce over the long haul, but he’s still in the right organization to get a shot at some point this season.

Martinez might be too fragile to ever make anything of himself, but the Mets were crazy to give up on him when they still had D.J. Carrasco available to designate for assignment. It’d be a nice story if he can make the Astros this spring.

The Mets need to clear two spots on the 40-man roster to make room for infielder Ronny Cedeno and outfielder Scott Hairston and Rubin hears that both Martinez and left-hander Daniel Ray Herrera have been placed on waivers. Martinez, 23, was once considered one of the most promising hitting prospects in the game, but a long list of injuries have stalled his career. Herrera was acquired from the Brewers last year as a player to be named later in the Francisco Rodriguez deal. There’s a decent chance that both get claimed.

Martinez has been bothered by an arthritic right knee since undergoing surgery in 2009 and Puma hears it isn’t getting any better. The 23-year-old outfielder was once considered one of the most promising hitting prospects in the game, but his stock has fallen significantly. No word on who may have interest.

Martinez, 23, was placed on waivers by the Mets earlier this week. Nothing official yet, but Rojas indicates that the Astros could be the claiming team. The former top prospect has an option remaining, so he could begin the season in the minor leagues.

The Mets gave Martinez a $1.4 million signing bonus as a teenager back in 2005, but he hasn’t met his potential due to number of factors, including an arthritic right knee and being rushed up the organizational ladder. We’re not expecting things to suddenly turn around for the 23-year-old just because he’s in a new organization, but this is a worthwhile gamble for the Astros.

That sounds pleasant. Martinez will get the thing treated and attempt to return in a few days. The 23-year-old outfielder is 14-for-70 (.200) so far for Houston.

The injury reportedly took place during batting practice Saturday. Martinez will be re-evaluated next week and must pass a concussion test before being cleared to return. The Astros recalled Matt Downs in a corresponding move.