-- SeaWolves pitching prospect Luis Marte is experiencing stiffness and soreness in his right throwing elbow and has been sent to Lakeland, Fla., on a rehabilitation assignment.
Marte, who is expected to be put on the club's disabled list today, had his elbow examined in Detroit by Tigers' team doctors on Wednesday and has been sent to Lakeland.
Marte threw 4 1/3 innings in an 8-4 home loss to Bowie on Monday and began to experience some pain and stiffness in his throwing elbow on Tuesday, SeaWolves manager Tom Brookens said.
"I don't know the exact specifics on what's the matter with him, but I was told he is probably going to go on the disabled list and that decision will be made (today)," Brookens said. "He was examined by an orthopedic guy here and they immediately decided to send him to Detroit for some tests."
Brookens said he does not know if Marte's elbow problem will require surgery.
Monday's start against the Baysox was Marte's Double-A home debut and his second Erie start. He had a no-decision and a loss with the SeaWolves. He was promoted to the SeaWolves on May 10 from Single-A Lakeland.
The SeaWolves have lost three starters to injuries in the past couple weeks. Right-handers Josh Rainwater (oblique strain) and Ben Fritz (shoulder soreness) are on the club's disabled list.
Brookens said SeaWolves reliever Matt Righter will stay in the rotation at least for another start.
Righter made a spot start on Wednesday and earned the win with five solid innings of two-hit ball in a 9-2 home victory over Bowie. He is scheduled to throw again on Monday in the finale of a four-game series at Akron.
Brookens said the SeaWolves will likely receive a pitcher today or Saturday.
-- Lakeland right-hander Rick Porcello, the Tigers' first-round draft pick last season, did not figure in the decision in Wednesday's 12-11 win over Palm Beach.
Porcello worked five innings, allowing nine hits and four runs, with three strikeouts and no walks. In 10 starts this season, Porcello is 3-4 with a 2.25 ERA.
-- Ron Leonardi