Update On This Year’s Rule 5 Picks

Many Rule 5 picks ultimately return to their original organizations, as it's not easy to keep inexperienced players in the Major Leagues all season long. So far, 2011 is no exception; 8 of the 19 players selected in the Major League phase of last offseason's Rule 5 draft are back where they started. Here are updates on the draftees, four weeks into the season:

On Active Rosters (6)

• Pedro Beato of the Mets has yet to allow an earned run in 14 innings of relief. The most impressive Rule 5 pick of the year has allowed 7 hits and 3 walks, striking out 8. 
• Brian Broderick of the Nationals has allowed 2 walks and 9 hits in 8 1/3 innings with a single strikeout. He'll have to pitch better to deserve a roster spot all season long.
• Another reliever, Aneury Rodriguez of the Astros, has allowed 9 hits and 4 walks in 8 innings, striking out 7.
• Nathan Adcock of the Royals has allowed 10 hits and 3 walks in 10 innings with 4 strikeouts for a 2.70 ERA.
• D'Backs manager Kirk Gibson has used Joe Paterson strategically in his 11 appearances; 16 of the 20 batters who have faced the the southpaw have been left-handed. The results are good: 0 earned runs and 5 strikeouts in 4 2/3 innings with 2 hits and 3 walks allowed.
• Phillies utility player Michael Martinez has only batted 17 times, but his .423 OPS is not impressive. The switch-hitter has played second, short and center and will have to hit more to keep his roster spot.

Traded (3)

The Mets returned Brad Emaus to the Blue Jays, who traded the infielder to Colorado. Rule 5 restrictions no longer apply to Emaus, so the Rockies don't have to worry about losing him. The Twins retained Scott Diamond in a trade with the Braves and he has posted a respectable 3.48 ERA in four Triple-A starts. The Red Sox sent Daniel Turpen to the Rockies.

Injured (2)

Elvin Ramirez (Nationals) and Mason Tobin (Rangers) are on the 60-day DL. As Adam Rubin points out at ESPNNewYork.com, they have to spend 90 non-September days on the active roster to become official property of their new teams. Otherwise, their Rule 5 status carries forward until the players spend 90 non-September days on the active roster.

Back Where They Started (8)

Josh Rodriguez, Jose Flores, Adrian Rosario, Pat Egan, Lance Pendleton, George Kontos, Robert Fish and Cesar Cabral are back with their original organizations.