When Jason Marquis signed with the Nationals, he said one of the selling points — aside from the $15 million for two years — was the opportunity to mentor a young pitching staff.
The appropriate message to the youngsters after Marquis’ performance Sunday: Avert your eyes.
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All seven Milwaukee Brewers whom Marquis faced Sunday scored as part of a 10-run first inning in Milwaukee’s 11-7 win. He failed to get an out in the worst start ever by a Nationals pitcher, a significant accomplishment considering the competition.
It left Marquis with an 0-3 record and these unsightly numbers: 8 1/3 innings, 18 hits, six walks, 19 earned runs — on top of a spring in which he had a 9.15 ERA in 20 innings.
Marquis, known for his sinkerball, was all over the place against the Brewers, hitting two batters and walking another. The 31-year-old started only one of the Brewers he faced with a first-pitch strike.
Marquis has never been a slow starter. He came into the year with a 15-9 career record in April and a 4.12 ERA, 0.41 better than his overall mark. Last year in Colorado, on his way to an All-Star Game appearance, Marquis won four of his first five starts.
Marquis said he feels fine. After his 28-pitch outing, he threw more pitches underneath the stands, trying to figure out the problem. Nats manager Jim Riggleman said he has no intention of replacing Marquis in the rotation yet.
At the other end of the Nats’ free agent spectrum, catcher Ivan Rodriguez is setting an impeccable example. The 38-year-old, who signed for $6 million for two years, had three more hits Sunday, hiking his average to a team-high .444.
“I wouldn’t say surprised,” Riggleman said. “He’s a Hall of Famer.”
