Carlos Martinez Gets Cleared To Throw.

Carlos Martinez is scheduled to end a 25-day shutdown by playing catch on Thursday, but the list of questions surrounding when he might return and in what capacity will remain unanswered for a while longer.

Utilizing Martinez as a starter would maximize his innings and inject the rotation with frontline potential.

But building Martinez up for that role would require more time, and questions about his durability persist.

Thats especially true following a season in which Martinez was sidelined by injury three separate times.

To a lesser degree, the Cardinals will also consider need when deciding how Martinez best fits.