Marlins make post-deadline trade, sending John Rooney to Astros for cash considerations

[Ely Sussman]

The Miami Marlins are capitalizing on their bullpen depth, something that they were widely expected to do before the MLB trade deadline. Instead, this move comes three days later as the Houston Astros announced on Sunday that they have acquired left-hander John Rooney for cash considerations.

Trades can be made after the deadline as long as they involve players who are not on 40-man rosters.

Rooney, 28, signed a minor league deal with the Marlins last offseason. Deep into spring training, he was battling for an Opening Day roster spot in a heavily right-handed bullpen, but the club ultimately assigned him to Triple-A Jacksonville.

Rooney allowed just one run on three hits in 9 ⅓ innings pitched through the end of April. However, his lack of control was worrisome (eight walks and three hit-by-pitches allowed). His strike-throwing has gradually improved since then. Overall, he has posted a 2.45 ERA, 4.18 FIP and .174 BAA in 33 innings pitched (38 appearances).

Rooney's primary pitch this season has been his slider (54% usage). He also has a sinker that averages 92 mph, a 90 mph cutter and a break-glass-in-case-of-emergency changeup. He has been extraordinary with the platoon advantage, limiting lefties to one extra-base hit all year.

With Rooney being a pending minor league free agent, the Marlins did not have much leverage in trade talks with the Astros. They would have had the opportunity to extend club control over him by selecting him to their 40-man roster after the season, but that was looking increasingly unlikely considering how many other relievers ahead of him on the depth chart are performing well.

Meanwhile, the Astros had an immediate role for Rooney and have called him up to join their 'pen for Sunday's game against the Boston Red Sox. He will be eligible to pitch for his new club in the postseason. They have 88.1% odds of making it there, per FanGraphs.

As for the other trade between these teams, Jesús Sánchez was Houston's starting left fielder on both Friday and Saturday, going 2-for-8 at the plate. He's playing right field on Sunday. Assigned to Low-A Jupiter, outfielder Esmil Valencia went 3-for-4 with two doubles and a caught stealing in his Marlins organizational debut. Right-hander Ryan Gusto and infielder Chase Jaworsky haven't played yet.

Coincidentally, the only head-to-head matchup of the season between the Marlins and Astros takes place at loanDepot park beginning on Monday.

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[Ely Sussman]

Another one! Austin Roberts was in a very similar situation as Rooney—pending free agent who they had no plans of calling up. Might as well get something while you can.