Marcum says he’ll be ready

Brewers right-hander Shaun Marcum was very encouraged by a two-inning start in Minor League camp on Wednesday and said he’ll be ready to begin the season in Milwaukee’s pitching rotation.

Marcum had not pitched before Wednesday because of tightness in his shoulder. He allowed one hit — a homer — but did not walk a batter and struck out two in an outing for Triple-A Nashville against the Reds’ top affiliate. He threw 26 pitches, mostly fastballs.

“It’s nice to get back out there,” he said. “It stinks when you’re behind and not able to pitch and get ready for the season earlier in camp, like I wanted to. But the good thing is I’ll be ready for April 10, 9, whatever day I’m scheduled to pitch. I’ll be ready to go. I’m ahead of schedule from where I was last year, so pitch count or anything like that shouldn’t be a problem.”

Marcum has a similar interruption last spring, but started the season on schedule and was the Brewers’ best pitcher in April and May.

He said he would start again Sunday, when the Brewers play split-squad games at home against the Dodgers and at Surprise, Ariz. against the Royals. That puts him in line to start April 9 or 10 against the Cubs at Wrigley Field, Marcum said.

If that schedule plays out, Marcum will have made four spring starts, including Wednesday’s debut outing in the Minors.

“It’s another step forward,” he said.

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