Big Z gets start for Venezuela

JUPITER, Fla. — Big Z will be taking the mound on Tuesday night against his former team.

Carlos Zambrano, part of the Marlins’ rotation at the beginning of 2012, will be back at Roger Dean Stadium on Tuesday. Only this time, the veteran right-hander will be pitching for Team Venezuela.

The Marlins take on Venezuela in an exhibition at 7 p.m.

Miami will be sending left-hander Wade LeBlanc to the mound.

Venezuela is beginning its series of exhibitions in preparation for the World Baseball Classic.

Zambrano has not yet signed with any big league teams, so the Classic will be a chance for the right-hander to showcase himself.

One current Marlin is on the Venezuelan team, right-hander Henderson Alvarez.

One of the second rounds of the Classic will be played at Marlins Park, from March 12-16.

For the Marlins last year, Zambrano was 7-10 with a 4.49 ERA in 35 games, with 20 starts.

– Joe Frisaro