Salinas High grad Nathan Martorella was one of 24 players in the Miami Marlins organization not on their 40-man roster to receive an invitation to take part with the big league club in spring training.

Drafted in the fifth round in 2022 by the San Diego Padres out of Cal, Martorella was traded to the Marlins last May during a minor league game in San Antonio while standing on second base.

Assigned to their Double-A affiliate, the 22-year-old put together a strong second half, finishing with 18 homers in 127 games for Pensacola.

Martorella will be worked out in spring training by the Marlins as a first baseman, where he has a career .984 fielding percentage.

Last spring Martorella was invited to the Padres’ spring training after climbing to Double-A in a little over a year.

Having jumped three levels in two-plus minor league seasons totaling 290 games, Martorella has hit 40 homers and driven in 164 runs, while scoring 161.

A four-time member of The Herald’s All-County baseball team, Martorella was The Herald’s Male Athlete of the Year in 2019, earning all-league honors in football as well.

Martorella produced a 19-game hitting streak during his junior season at Cal in 2002, earning all-Pac 12 honors before being drafted by the Padres.

Union continue international additions >> The reshaping of Monterey Bay FC’s roster with an international flavor continues after the franchise inked Australian forward Luke Ivanovic to a one-year contract.

Ivanovic’s arrival adds more depth up front to an overhauled roster, which will see 13 new faces grace the pitch when the Union open the United Soccer League Championship season on March 8 in San Antonio.

Last year, the fourth-year franchise was the third worst offensive team in the USL, having been shut out 15 times in failing to make the postseason.

“Luke has the ability to dribble past players and create opportunities for himself and others,” Monterey Bay FC technical director Simon Dawkins said. “He is a quick winger and is a really good addition to the room of dynamic forwards that we currently have.”

The 24-year-old Ivanovic spent his first three professional seasons playing for Sydney FC, collecting his first goal nine minutes into his first start, helping the franchise to two A-League championships in Australia.

“It’s a great opportunity to be a part of a club that’s building something special,” Ivanovic said. “It was a super easy decision — the club’s ambition aligns with me perfectly. I believe Jordan (Stewart’s) guidance will elevate my game and get the best out of me.”

Ivanovic spent last season with FC Lahti in Finland, recording nine goals and three assists in 33 appearances. He has also played with current teammate Jacob Muir in the past in Australia.

Solid season debut >> Building off of last year’s impressive freshman campaign, Soledad grad Eric Segura opened the spring for the nationally-ranked Oregon State baseball team by striking out three in 2.2 innings.

Entrenched in the starting rotation, the 6-foot-2 right-hander was on a pitch count, throwing just 59 pitches in picking up the win.

Last year Segura went 6-1 for the Beavers, striking out 71 in 69 innings. In 72 career innings, he has a 4.88 earned run average.

Segura was The Herald’s Baseball Player of the Year in 2022 and a two-time member of The Herald’s All-County baseball team.

A teammate of Segura’s is Carmel graduate Jabin Trosky, who has come off the bench in two of the Beavers’ first four games, driving in a pair of runs.

Martinez off to a blistering start >> Senior infielder Natalia Martinez is off to the best start in her four-year career at Portland State, hitting .290 through the team’s first 10 softball games.

The Salinas High graduate has homered and shares the team lead in doubles with two and runs batted in with nine.

Martinez has had three multiple-hit games for the Vikings, with a team-high two sacrifice flies.

Earning a spot on the Big Sky All-Conference tournament team last year, Martinez has started 108 games in her career, with nine homers and 53 RBI, while hitting .272.

Martinez has walked 28 times in her career, while being hit by a pitch 13 times, compiling a .352 on-base percentage. She also sports a career .911 fielding percentage at third base.

Coaches needed >> Alvarez is looking for coaches for flag football and girls’ tennis. Go to brian.vazquez@salinasuhsd.org

Salinas is looking for a head coach in field hockey. Go to https://salinashscowboysathletics.com

Monterey is also looking for a head JV football coach. Go to abesaw@mpusd.net

Officials needed >> Peninsula Sports Incorporate is looking for high school and middle school officials for all sports this season. Varsity officials are paid $100 a game.

There is an immediate need for officials and umpires in the spring for boys’ volleyball, baseball, softball and boys’ and girls’ lacrosse. Training is provided. Call Tom Emery at (831) 241-1101.

Monterey Women’s Basketball League >> The Monterey Women’s Basketball League will begin on March 2 at the Monterey Sports Center. A pick-up game will kickoff the season at 2 p.m., with teams being formed after the game. Games will be held each Saturday from 1-5 p.m. Standard fee is $100. Register at montereysportscenter.com