Marlins Work on Their Rotation

The Marlins’ plans for their pitching rotation have encountered problems big and small, so Manager Jim Leyland has had to adjust.

Rookie right-hander Livan Hernandez had not been expected to start in the championship series, but Alex Fernandez’s rotator cuff injury and Kevin Brown’s stomach virus probably will change that. Hernandez will probably start Game 6 at Atlanta on Tuesday.

“It’s a huge hit not having Alex out there, but this team has a lot of depth,” said Brown, scheduled to pitch today. “We have Livan who can step in. He’s done a great job all year and there’s no reason we can’t expect him to do the same thing.”

Hernandez was 9-3 with a 3.18 earned-run average during the regular season. Hernandez pitched 1 2/3 scoreless innings in the Marlins’ 5-2 victory in Game 3. He also pitched four strong innings in the Marlins’ 7-6 victory over the Giants in Game 2 of the division series, giving up one run on three hits. Leyland could also start Game 3 starter Tony Saunders on Tuesday and Hernandez in Game 7 Wednesday if it’s necessary.

“Hopefully it won’t come to a seventh game,” Brown said. “But if it does, I think you throw everything out if you have a chance to win. We all could pitch at that point.”

*

Series tied, 2-2)

* Game 1: Florida 5, Atlanta 3

* Game 2: Atlanta 7, Florida 1

* Game 3: Florida 5, Atlanta 2

* Game 4: Atlanta 4, Florida 0

* Game 5: Today, at Florida, 1 p.m.

* Game 6: Tuesday, at Atlanta, 5 p.m.

* Game 7: Wednesday, at Atlanta, 5 p.m.*

* if necessary