Marlins recall Graham Pauley, Bradley Blalock during September roster expansion

[Ely Sussman]

The Miami Marlins announced on Tuesday that infielder Graham Pauley and right-hander Bradley Blalock are joining their active roster. Limited to 26 roster spots during most of the regular season, they're allowed to activate 28 players during the month of September.

Pauley entered 2026 with a long runway to establish himself as Miami's primary third baseman. Although he continues to provide above-average defense at the hot corner, his bat regressed this season. Carefully platooned to face right-handed pitching almost exclusively, he still hasn't been able to make much quality contact. Pauley's 24.1 Hard-Hit% ranks last among Marlins players with a minimum of 50 batted ball events. His farthest-hit ball of the year went only 385 feet. Overall, Pauley has homered only once in 46 games against big league competition. He has posted a 43 wRC+ (100 represents league average).

Pauley's most recent Triple-A stint lasted six games. In 46 total appearances with the Jumbo Shrimp, he has slashed .236/.332/.436 with seven home runs and six stolen bases. The vast majority of his reps have come at third, but there have also been six games at second base.

This call-up comes in the aftermath of Xavier Edwards' left thumb sprain. The Marlins have several right-handed options to use around the infield while Edwards is out, but Pauley gives them a complement from the other side of the plate.

Pauley turns 26 years old on September 24. Not only is he in the midst of his final option year, but the Marlins have optioned him five separate times, which is the MLB single-season limit. Therefore, Pauley would need to clear waivers to get sent down again.

Blalock, 25, was acquired via trade from the Colorado Rockies in January. He's been the one constant in Triple-A Jacksonville's starting rotation this season, posting a 5.61 ERA and 5.47 FIP and in 23 starts. Across parts of two MLB seasons, he's been absolutely awful, to be frank (8.16 ERA and 6.73 FIP in 21 G/18 GS). Susceptibility to home runs continues to be his biggest issue.

Blalock's arsenal includes a four-seam fastball, slider, cutter, splitter, sinker and sweeper. He releases the ball from an extremely steep arm angle (approximately 62 degrees).

Like Pauley, Blalock is out of options after the 2026 season and could be a winter DFA candidate if he doesn't make a positive contribution to the Fish this month.

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[One Regend]

We're going to lose Kemp Alderman to Rule 5, aren't we?