Alex Carver

Scott Lyman, SP A+ Weekly Stats: 2 GS, 2 QS, 13 IP, 7 H, ER, 5 BB, 7 K The Lyman family are no strangers to watching their young men dominate early in their baseball careers and share the thrills of being selected early the MLB draft only to see them have disappointing professional careers. Such was the case with Jeff Lyman, who was drafted out of high school in the second round of the 2005 draft by the Braves only to go on to post an ugly 4.9 ERA, 1.559 WHIP, and 1.57 K/BB in 630.1 minor league innings, never even sniffing the majors. So when younger brother Scott went from a similar high when he was drafted out of college in the 10th round of the 2011 MLB Draft only to go to a similar low when he went on to struggle in his first full season as a pro posting a 5.3 ERA by way of allowing more hits than innings pitched and at a .275 clip, it was a bad case of deja vu. However, Scott refused to allow the Lyman baseball legacy to die. Following his tough rookie campaign, Lyman put in the man hours and made all the adjustments necessary to allow him to come back with a vengeance in 2013 and show why the Marlins took him with the 313th overall pick. That season for the Grasshoppers, Lyman posted more than respectable numbers and was the best arm in the rotation. In 105 IP, he totaled a 102/37 K/BB (an average of 9/3 per start). While his 4.11 ERA was heightened in the hitter friendly Sally League and the extremely hitter friendly NewBridge Bank Park, his BAA lowered to the mendoza line (.250) and his WHIP fell 30 points to 1.31. His control was spectacular as proven by his 2.76 K/BB which ranked twelfth in the league amongst pitchers 41 pitchers with at least 100 IP. While the talent was always there, to see Lyman turn a complete 180 in just a single offseason was remarkable. Lyman's hard work and dedication paid off at the end of 2013 with a call up to high A Jupiter. There, he was rewarded with some good fortune as well as the help of some good defense allowing his BABIP to fall to .278 and with it, his ERA to 3.62. In six starts, Lyman totaled 32 IP, pitching in to the 6th inning in five of them and recording quality starts in two of them. Lyman's stint with the Hammerheads in 2013 laid the groundwork for the success he enjoyed with them in 2014. That year, in his first full year with the Hammerheads, Lyman threw a career high 135 innings. His BABIP normalized to an average .307 but he still held down a 3.53 ERA and a 3.77 FIP, proving his stuff had started to turn the corner. He was the second biggest contributor to a Hammerheads rotation that posted fantastic collective numbers including a 3.50 ERA and a 1.14 WHIP. At the start of this season, ace Jake Esch as well as two guys Lyman outperformed, Austin Brice and Trevor Williams all made the jump to at least AA. In the case of Esch, he spent a few games there before making it all the way to AAA. However, Lyman started a third year in Jupiter and has remained there the entire season so far. Though there was undoubtedly some frustration in his staying put as he watched his teammates graduate and go on to bigger things that he himself could and should likely be enjoying, Lyman has showed poise and professionalism well beyond his years and is right now pitching some of the best baseball of his career. After getting off to a bit of a rocky start by the standard he has set the rest of the year, Lyman is currently riding a string of seven straight quality outings. His 1.50 ERA and 1.01 WHIP are both second in the Florida State League, making him all but a shoe-in and possibly the starter for the FSL All-Star Team. While he does have slightly more strikeouts than walks, Lyman is succeeding with the style of pitching that has become his forte: pitching to contact. While he has given up a combined 59 hits and walks in his 60 innings pitched, he is stranding 80% of his runners and has given up just one home run. His groundout/flyout rate is an eye popping 1.64. Though it has taken a bit longer than it should have and that Lyman has liked, a call up should be coming any day now. [youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pFMhwdO7L_w] On the mound, Lyman has five pitches in his repertoire. Although none of them are exactly overpowering, he mixes them up well and keeps the ball down almost exclusively, as proven by his 1.64 GO/FO rate. After getting ahead with either his four-seamer which tops out at 96 or his two-seamer which usually sits in between 92-94, Lyman selects from a secondary arsenal including a 82-85 MPH slider, an 82-85 MPH changeup and a 75-79 MPH slider. The changeup is probably Lyman's best feel pitch thus the one he goes to most in two strike counts but he also hasn't been afraid to use the slider which has good sweeping movement and when he hits his spot, is probably his best pitch. Though he is in his last season of prospect eligibility, there is still plenty of potential here. While he probably won't ever be the ace of a major league staff, Lyman's ability to keep the ball down, avoid big contact and induce ground balls while limiting his pitch count makes him translate well to either the 4-5 spot in the rotation or the long relief role. Lyman's call to AA should be coming any day now. With a good showing there in the second half of this season, he should get an invite to spring training and spend next season in AAA. With continued success with the Zephyrs, he could realize his dream in 2016. File Lyman's name in your not-so-deep thoughts as a good contact pitcher who won't light the world on fire but who will get outs and could contribute to the pitching staff in that capacity as early as next year.

5/25/2015 vs Albuquerque PPD (rain) Rescheduled to 5/26 5/26/2015 vs Albuquerque Game 1 - W/7 3-0 Derek Dietrich, 2B: 2-3, 2B, RBI, R Miguel Rojas, SS: 1-2, HR (3), RBI, R, BB Juan Diaz, 3B: 2-2, R, BB Adam Conley, SP: 6 IP, 4 H, BB, 6 K Game 2 - W/7 4-0 Miguel Rojas, SS: 2-3, 2B, RBI, R Scott Sizemore, 3B: 2-3, K Jesus Flores, C: 2-3, R, K Pat Misch, SP: CGSO, 2 H, 3 K 5/27/2015 vs Albuquerque W 4-3 Derek Dietrich, 2B: 2-3, 2B, 2 R, BB Isaac Galloway, CF: 2-4, 2B, R Jordany Valdespin, LF: 1-3, RBI, SB (6), BB Robert Morey, SP: 5 IP, 7 H, ER, BB, 3 K 5/28/2015 vs Albuquerque L 2-4 Jordany Valdespin, LF: 2-4, 3B, RBI, R, K Miguel Rojas, SS: 1-3, R, BB Justin Nicolino, SP: 7 IP, 7 H, ER, 2 BB, 7 K 5/29/2015 @ Reno L 2-4 Jordany Valdespin, LF: 2-4, K Miguel Rojas, SS: 1-3, 2B, BB Derek Dietrich, 3B: 1-4, RBI, R, K Reid Brignac, 2B: 1-3, RBI, BB, K Travis Blackley, SP: 6.2 IP, 5 H, 2 ER, BB, 3 K 5/30/2015 @ Reno W 14-3 Reid Brignac, 1B: 4-5, HR (1), 2B, 3 RBI, 2 R, BB Derek Dietrich, 2B: 3-4, HR (5), 5 RBI, R, BB, K Scott Sizemore, 3B: 3-5, 2 2B, RBI, 4 R, BB Juan Diaz, SS: 3-5, 2B, 2 RBI, R Pat Misch, SP: 5 IP, 2 H, ER, 2 BB, 4 K Grant Dayton, RP: 2 IP, H, 2 K 5/31/2015 @ Reno L 3-4 Isaac Galloway, CF: 3-4, 2B, R Miguel Rojas, SS: 2-4, 2B, R Cole Gillespie, RF: 1-4, 2 RBI, BB Austin Wates, LF: 2-4, 2B, R Adam Conley, SP: 5 IP, 5 H, 2 R (1 ER), 4 BB, 3 K 5/27/2015 @ Birmingham (2015 Rickwood Classic) W 8-2 David Adams, 1B: 5-5, 2B, 3 R Terrence Dayleg, 3B: 3-5, 2 2B, RBI Danny Black, 2B: 2-4, 3 RBI, R, K Matt Juengel, LF: 1-5, HR (5), RBI, R, 2 K Kendry Flores, SP: 6 IP, 4 H, 2 ER, 2 BB, 2 K 5/27/2015 @ Birmingham L/10 5-6 Viosergy Rosa, DH: 2-4, 2B, 4 RBI Kenny Wilson, CF: 3-5, 2 R, SB (7) Danny Black, 2B: 1-2, 2B, 2 R, 3 BB Austin Nola, SS: 2-4, R, K Jake Esch, SP: 6 IP, 7 H, 3 ER, BB, 5 K 5/29/2015 @ Birmingham W 3-2 Austin Nola, SS: 2-4, 2B, RBI, R, K Zack Cox, 3B: 2-4, 2B, R, K Viosergy Rosa, 1B: 1-3, RBI, BB Austin Brice, SP: 6 IP, 4 H, 2 ER, 6 K Matt Tomshaw, RP: 3 IP, SV (2), BB, 2 K 5/30/2015 @ Birmingham L 5-6 Matt Juengel, LF: 1-3, HR (6), 2 RBI, R, BB Zack Cox, 3B: 3-4, 2 R Kenny Wilson, CF: 2-5, R, SB (9), K Viosergy Rosa, 1B: 1-3, R, BB Trevor Williams, SP: 6 IP, 10 H, 2 ER, 5 K 5/31/2015 @ Birmingham L/11 5-6 Kenny Wilson, CF: 2-5, 2 RBI, SB (10), K Matt Juengel, DH: 2-3, RBI, 2 R, 2 BB Austin Nola, SS: 1-4, 2 RBI, 2 BB, K Chipper Smith, SP: 5.1 IP, 8 H, 4 R (3 ER), 2 BB, 6 K 5/26/2015 vs Dunedin W 4-3 Avery Romero, 2B: 3-4, RBI, R Brian Anderson, 3B: 2-3, RBI, BB Justin Bohn, SS: 2-3, RBI, SB (1) Scott Lyman, SP: 6 IP, 3 H, ER, 3 BB, 4 K Tyler Kinley, RP: IP, SV (4), K 5/27/2015 vs Dunedin W 3-2 Avery Romero, 2B: 2-3, 2 RBI Yefri Perez, CF: 1-3, R, SB (15), BB, K Jose Adames, SP: 5 IP, 6 H, 2 ER, 2 BB, 4 K Bullpen: 4 IP, H, BB, K 5/28/2015 vs Dunedin W 5-4 Austin Dean, RF: 2-4, 2B, 2 RBI, R, SB (5), K Yefri Perez, CF: 1-3, 3 R, SB (16), BB, K Jarlin Garcia, SP: 6 IP, 2 H, 3 R (0 ER), BB, 3 K Tyler Kinley, RP: 1.1 IP, SV (5), H 5/29/2015 vs Dunedin L 1-2 Chris Hoo, C: 2-3, R Avery Romero, 2B: 1-4, 2B, K Sean Townsley, SP: 5.1 IP, 3 H, 2 R (1 ER), 4 BB, 7 K Bullpen: 3.2 IP, H, BB, K 5/30/2015 @ Bradenton W 5-4 Yuniel Ramirez, LF: 2-4, 2B, RBI, R, BB, K Yefri Perez, CF: 1-4, 2 RBI Justin Bohn, SS: 2-4, 2 K Brian Anderson, 3B: 1-3, 2 R, BB, K Chris Sadberry, SP: 4.2 IP, 6 H, 2 R (1 ER), BB Tyler Kinley, RP: IP, SV (6), H, ER, K 5/31/2015 @ Daytona W 4-0 Brian Anderson, DH: 2-3, R Yefri Perez, CF: 1-4, RBI, R Blake Barber, 3B: 1-3, 2B Rehiner Cordova, SS: 1-2, 2B, K Sean Townsley, SP: 6 IP, 4 H, 2 BB, 2 K 5/25/2015 vs Hagerstown L 2-4 Felix Castillo, C: 2-4, 2B, 2 RBI Justin Twine, SS: 1-4, 2B, R Austen Smith, LF/K.J. Woods, DH/Rony Cabrera, 2B: 1-4, 2 K Drew Steckenrider, SP: 5.2 IP, 5 H, 2 R (1 ER), BB, 7 K 5/26/2015 vs Hagerstown L 3-10 Arturo Rodriguez, 1B: 3-4, 2B, 2 RBI Rony Cabrera, 2B: 3-5, R, K Austen Smith, LF: 1-4, HR (9), RBI, R, K Tyler Kolek, SP: 4 IP, 2 H, 3 ER, 4 BB, 2 K Kyle Fischer, RP: 2 IP, H, 3 K 5/27/2015 vs Hagerstown W 8-5 Felix Castillo, C: 3-4, HR (1), 2B, 3 RBI K.J. Woods, DH: 2-4, HR (3), RBI, R Brian Schales, 3B: 4-5, 2 RBI, R John Norwood, RF: 1-4, HR (3), RBI, 2 R, K Austen Smith, LF: 2-5, RBI, K Jorgan Cavaneiro, SP: 5.1 IP, 10 H, 4 R (3 ER), 3 K Josh Hodges, RP: 2 IP, SV (4), K 5/28/2015 vs Lakewood L 2-10 John Norwood, LF: 1-3, 2B, 2 SB (11, 12), BB Mason Davis, 2B: 2-4, R, K Ben Holmes, SP: 6 IP, 7 H, 3 ER, 2 BB, 7 K 5/29/2015 vs Lakewood W 4-3 Austen Smith, LF: 2-3, 2 2B, K Rony Cabrera, 2B: 2-3, R, K John Norwood, RF: 1-4, RBI Michael Mader, SP: 7 IP, 3 H, BB, 3 K Josh Hodges, RP: 1.1 IP, SV (5), H, K 5/30/2015 vs Lakewood L 1-2 Rodrigo Vigil, C: 2-4, 2B, Zach Sullivan, CF: 2-4, SB (4) K.J. Woods, 1B: 1-3, R, BB Drew Steckenrider, SP: 6 IP, 5 H, ER, BB, 5 K James Buckelew, RP: 3 IP, 3 H, 2 K 5/31/2015 vs Lakewood W 8-7 Arturo Rodriguez, C: 2-3, HR (4), 3 RBI, R, K Brian Schales, 3B: 1-3, 2B, 2 RBI, 2 R, BB John Norwood, LF: 2-4, R, SB (13), K Ryan Aper, CF: 1-4, 2B, RBI Tyler Kolek, SP: 4 IP, 6 H, 4 ER, 3 K Luis Castillo, RP: 2 IP, H

It's been a rough start to the season for the Marlins' starting rotation. While they expected to be without the services of their ace Jose Fernandez who underwent Tommy John surgery last year, there is no way they were prepared for what happened next. After starting 0-2 with a 4.5 ERA, #2 starter Henderson Alvarez went to the DL with shoulder issues. He returned on May 17th only to go right back on the shelf after back-to-back 5 inning, 4+ ER starts. Mat Latos, an arm who the Marlins gave good value to acquire was shelled in his last spring training start, shellacked in his first regular season start, and battled through seven more outings despite missing a few miles an hour off his fastball before it was revealed that the injury to his knee which has hampered him before in his career had flared back up. Latos, pitching out of the #3 spot, also went to the DL. Finally, Jarred Cosart was good in the month of April, pitching into the 6th in three of his four starts and notching three quality outings before also hitting the DL with vertigo after three subpar May starts. At the beginning of the season, Miami looked to have a solid squad that would perform well only to be pushed over the line by the return of Fernandez in mid June. Consequently, it has been far from that simple as the Marlins who have had to get creative with their rotation, calling upon anything close to major league ready starter as well as a few guys past their prime to get the job done. Predictably, the makeshift rotation of veterans Dan Haren and David Phelps and youngsters Tom Koehler, Brad Hand, and Jose Urena has struggled. In 45.1 IP since Alvarez and Latos went to the DL on May 22nd, Marlins starting pitchers have posted a 2-2 record with four no decisions along with a terrible 5.18 ERA on 47 hits and a 20/27 BB/K. The average start has lasted less than six innings (5.2), included 6 hits, over 3 runs, 3 walks, and 6 Ks. The rotation's collective WHIP since May 22nd is an elevated 1.5. With current production down and uncertainty surrounding the health of Fernandez, Latos and Cosart when they return, the Marlins have loaded the bullpen with guys who can pitch multiple innings of relief and if need be, step in to the rotation. On Tuesday, Kendry Flores became the latest in a line of such options to join the club, replacing Steve Cishek who was optioned to AA Jacksonville on Monday. [youtube Flores is 23-year-old righty who comes to the Marlins despite having never played a single game in AAA. While the current state of affairs which sees the Marlins in need of relief help that can go more than one inning earned him the call over guys like late inning reliever and closer Nick Wittgren and while it came at a bad time for the organization's third ranked prospect Justin Nicolino who has struggled over his last six starts definitely played dividends in allowing Flores to skip a stop in AAA, he has done plenty on his own that warrant the call to the bigs. Flores' best asset is exactly the thing the Marlins pitching staff as a whole has lacked the most this season: consistent control. While members of the staff have looked great at times, their handle on their pitches can exist or not exist depending on the day. In his minor league career, Flores has rarely had such problems. Two years ago as a member of the single A Augusta Greenjackets, Flores posted an unheard of 8.06 strikeouts to walk ratio by way of a 137/17 K/BB. A year later, while his fastball picked up an extra few miles an hour going from a maximum 92 to a maximum 95 MPH, and the improved movement on his slurvy curveball made it a plus pitch while maintaining good bite on his changeup (which is probably his most comfortable pitch), Flores didn't fall in to the trap of trying to overthrow. Another great K/BB resulted because of this. This time it was 112/32 and ranked sixth in the California League. Flores' 9.51 K/9 was fourth in the entire California League. His 4.09 ERA (which still ranked eighth in Cali League) and 1.25 WHIP (which still ranked fifth) were significantly higher year but this can be attributed to the fact that he was playing in a much more hitter friendly league and the highest BABIP he has ever posted, .307. After coming to the Marlins this offseason as the center piece in the Casey McGehee trade with the Giants, Flores has began his AA career by flashing the same brand of control he has enjoyed for his entire career. The arsenal is similar to what it was last year (92-95 MPH heat, mix in mid 80's change, and a sharp out-pitch curveball that lives in the high 70s), Flores has managed to hold down a 2.08 ERA in his first 56 IP at the highest level he has ever played at. While Flores' .201 BABIP and his 3.57 FIP indicate he has been a bit lucky to post such minuscule numbers, he has continued to throw the ball well, the strikeouts keep coming and the walks remain at a minimum. While it definitely would have been nice to see Flores throw more than nine games above A ball and while he is doubtfully ready to become a mainstay in a major league rotation, Flores has still developing stuff that should serve him well as he attempts to make a name for himself. With a good showing out of the bullpen this year, however short it may be (Cosart, Latos and Fernandez are all returning soon which will need to clear up some spots in the pen), the 23-year-old can ensure himself an extended look in spring training next year and, at the very least, ensure he makes another minor league level jump for a fifth consecutive year. The bottom line: Flores is a kid who currently possesses still developing stuff that fringy for the major league level. He's a four pitch pitcher who has always had spectacular control which has made him one of the stingiest pitchers in the organization when it comes to allowing walks. This skill set allowed him to total more strikeouts than IP in A+ in 2014 along with a minuscule walk total. With a 42/15 K/BB, has continued to have a great hold on his stuff this year. While his high BABIP and FIP prove he has been fortunate to post the ERA and H/9 which rank near the top of the Southern League, while his early call to the majors has undoubtedly been aided by circumstance and while his first stint with the Marlins will likely be a short one, Flores has earned the opportunity and will provide a look in to the not-so-distant future of potential rotation arms. With a good showing, he can imprint his name in to the forefront of the front office's minds.

Austen Smith, OF A Greensboro Weekly Stats: 13-31 (.419), 3 2B, 6 RBI, 7 BB, 6 K, SB A 33rd round draft pick out of Alabama in 2014, Smith has taken the Marlins' organization by storm in his first two seasons as a pro. After a successful campaign in rookie ball, one in which he led the GCL Marlins (among those with at least 20 games played) in OBP (.408), slugging (.667), homers (7) and RBIs (34), Smith made the jump to Greensboro and his first full season. With the Hoppers so far, Smith has continued to rake and shows no evidence that he will slow down any time soon. On the season so far, Smith is hitting .274/.396/.508 with 8 homers 21 RBIs. His .874 OPS ranks second in the entire Sally League as do his .514 SLG and seven long balls. What is most impressive about Smith's 2015 season so far is in 35 of the 40 games he has played, he has reached base safely. In 32 games, he has had at least one hit and nine of his games have been multi-hit efforts. Smith is a beastly 6'4" 240 specimen with prototypical power to match. While he could use to cut down on his strikeout totals and improve upon his plate presence, when he connects, he makes you forget all about those facts. And he connects a lot. In his final college season with the Crimson Tide he led his team in homers and doubles. Last season, he lead the GCL Marlins in longballs and currently leads the Hoppers with 9, on pace to hit 32. At the plate, Smith uses his extra large frame to generate extra large strength but also maintains his pre-swing looseness well. His terrific bat speed and strong hands allow him to get around well on any pitch and allow the ball to jump off his bat. With a straight away open stance, Smith prefers the pull variety of hitting but has the ability to spread the ball around to all fields. For a Marlins team which has struggled to find power production outside of anyone not named Giancarlo Stanton this year and a team that has finished in the bottom six or worse in its last four seasons in power numbers leading up to this one, Smith is a breath of fresh air that, should he remain healthy (he was hampered by injuries both in high school and college), could be placed on the fast track to the major leagues. Looking at Smith's build, you would think he doesn't have eligibility anywhere but first base. However, he is a surprisingly decent outfielder. In high school he clocked in at 7.36 in the 60 yard run and has flashed an arm with good strength and carry that projects well. Though he will continue to see most of his PT at 1B where he has shown off the same arm as well as good range and flair especially for a 240 pounder, his athletic ability has and will continue to get him looks in left field. The bottom line on Smith is that he is currently one of if not the best pure power bat in the Marlins' system who plays two defensive positions with athletic prowess. Should his bat continue to produce this brand of power throughout this year, he should start 2016 in high A Jupiter. Should it continue there, he could see time with the Suns in the second half of the year. He could ultimately be playing alongside Giancarlo Stanton in 2017, a combo that could prospectively combine for 80 homers and end Miami's long tenure of being cellar dwellers in their power hitting endeavors. In other words, the mammoth Smith should both literally and figuratively not be taken lightly.

Juancito Martinez, RHP A+ Jupiter » AA Jacksonville 2015 Stats: 22.2 IP, 1.59 ERA, 0.84 WHIP, 4.00 K/BB If there were ever a guy who personifies the term diamond in the rough, Martinez is it. A 2010 free agent signee out of the Dominican in 2010, Martinez began his career as an outfielder. While he wasn't able to muster much in the way of offensive production, the Marlins took notice of Martinez's arm which allowed him to compile 29 outfield assists over his first five years in the minors. Up until two days ago, that same arm was the best one in Jupiter's bullpen and ranked amongst the best relievers in the Florida State League. Before an off night in his thirteenth outing, Martinez's ERA remained sparkling in his 12 previous appearances. The three runs he gave up that night account for 3/4 of the damage opposing hitters have been able to muster against him this season. His spectacular year this year comes on the heels of great beginning to his pitching career with short season Batavia in 2014. In 21 games for the Muckdogs that season, Martinez held down a 2.51 ERA and a 1.186 WHIP (10th in the NYPL) while striking out three times as many as he walked (33/11). At 6'1" 170, Martinez uses his big frame to get behind his fastball which is some of the highest heat in the Marlins' organization. Martinez is just 40 something innings in to his career as a pitcher but watching him display the control he does, you would have no idea. With good knowledge of the zone and an uncanny knack to hit the glove wherever it is set up, Juancito looks like a guy who has been doing this for his entire life. Although he is already 25, there is still reason to be excited about this guy. Should his success continue in to the higher levels of the minors, you could see his name mentioned as a possible bullpen candidate as early as next season. Jose Adames, RHP A Greensboro » A+ Jupiter 2015 Stats: 38.1 IP, 2.35 ERA, 1.33 WHIP, 1.53 K/BB Adames is a 22-year-old who the Marlins purchased out of the Domnican Republic in 2011. Following two seasons with the DSL Marlins, one with the GCL Marlins and a stint with short season Batavia, he got his first taste of full season ball in the second half of 2014 in Greensboro. In 10 games, 8 starts and 44 innings, Adames flashed lights out stuff at times, compiling a 7.77 K/BB, building off the 9.22 mark he posted with the Muckdogs but by posting a career-high 1.45 WHIP by allowing nearly 10 hits per game, he proved his command still needed some work. It has been a similar second full season so far for Adames: in his first 38.1 IP and 8 starts with the Hoppers in 2015, he has posted good K numbers. In a similar number of IP to 2014, the WHIP has slightly improved thanks to a 7.98 H/9. By way of improving in those categories, his ERA is down to 2.35, tops on the Hoppers' staff and deserving of the call to Jupiter. But with the walk total elevated from 3.68 to 3.99, a career worst, Adames has proven he still has plenty to work on. The downside to Adames is he is pretty much a one-pitch pitcher. That one pitch is a great, explosive fastball topping out at 95 with good life. However, his lack of command of any of his pitches including this one gives Adames a very poor handle on the strikezone. As for the rest of his repertoire, it isn't much at the moment. Adames flashes a 76-78 MPH 12-6 curve which more often than not turns into a 10-6 hanger. This is probably the pitch he has the most command of though as he hits the zone with it more often than not. With work, it could become a plus pitch. The third and final offering Adames brings to the table is a 83-85 MPH changeup. He has even less feel for it than the fastball. Even at its best the pitch has little to no movement and he leaves it up in the zone. Adames' future rides on the development of his curveball and improving the command of his fastball. If he can turn the curve in to a consistently solid plus secondary pitch as well as gain a better working knowledge of the zone and where his heater will wind up, he could wind up becoming a major league middle to late inning reliever. For now, we put the 22-year-old at the shallow end of the prospect pool with a long ways to swim. Greg Nappo, LHP AA Jacksonville » AAA New Orleans 2015 Stats: 17.2 IP, 2.04 ERA, 1.02 WHIP, 4.17 K/BB Nappo is a 6', 210 pound lefty who had an up-and-down college career at Connecticut. Barring his time spent in AAA last year, he has had a spectacular minor league career, including this season with the Suns where he has posted a 2.04 ERA, a 1.02 WHIP and a 25/6 K/BB over his first 17.2 IP. Last season in Jacksonville Nappo was equally impressive, compiling a 40/7 K/BB and a 1.74 ERA along with an unheard of 0.75 WHIP, which lead the team. However, he got a rude welcome to AAA, nearly allowing as many earned runs (5) in just 5 innings. Nappo will be hoping for a better start and finish to his stay with the Zephyrs this year which proves to be a much more extended look. Nappo's arsenal consists of a high 80s to low 90s heater, a mid 80s cut fastball and mix-in slurvy curveball with good dive. On the surface, most of his pitches appear to be of the average variety. What gives Nappo a positive edge is the deceptiveness in his delivery. Throwing from a 3/4 arm slot, Nappo hides the ball in his glove very well, not transitioning to the hand until his front foot is nearly back on the ground and is extremely quick to the plate. His motion to the mound is straight and fluid and his follow-through is well composed. All of this has allowed Nappo to never post a K/BB under 4 in any of his full minor league seasons. To succeed at the higher levels, Nappo's stuff is going to need to improve slightly. He needs to gain a few more miles per hour on his fairly straight heater in order to be able to rely on it and the curve will need to be as effective at the start of his outings as it is the further he gets in to them. The down side to all of that is that Nappo is already 26-years-old and is as matured as he is going to get. We will keep an eye on him but it appears as if he is destined to be an organizational guy. Justin Bohn, SS/INF AA Jacksonville « A+ Jupiter 2015 Stats: .161/.223/.218, 2 XBH, 6 RBI, 30/6 K/BB Bohn is a 22-year-old utility infielder who enjoyed a good college career and a good start to his minor league career. After a .374/.447/.563, 31/48 K/BB two year career at Feather River College in Nevada, the Marlins drafted Bohn in the 7th round in 2013. After short stints with Batavia and Greensboro that year, he entered his first full season last year. After a .293/.397/.452 start with the Grasshoppers, Bohn became a Hammerhead. His success continued in Jupiter where he nearly replicated those numbers hitting .296/.347/.372, allowing him to make the jump to AA to begin this year and placing him on the fast track to the majors. However, with the Suns this year, Bohn has proven to be over-matched. Although his patience is his best assett, Bohn has struck out 30 times to just 6 walks and he has gone just 14 for his first 87. However, there is still plenty of promise here. Not only does Bohn have some of the best eyes in the organization he owns above-average speed and the ability to play three defensive positions around the infield, all of which he plays fairly well. At just 22, there is plenty of room for improvement for the 6'0", 180 pounder. Bohn will likely spend the rest of the year building confidence back where he is more comfortable in Jupiter. While it may take him longer than three seasons to come to fruition, he has the potential to become a starting major leaguer. A current top 25 prospect in the organization, Bohn is definitely worth keeping an eye on.

5/18/2015 @ Nasvhille W 4-1 Brady Shoemaker, 1B: 2-2, 2 2B, RBI, 2 BB Vinny Rottino, DH: 1-3, 2 R, BB Cole Gillespie, RF: 1-3, R, BB Austin Wates, CF: 1-3, R, BB, SB (2) Jose Urena, SP: 7 IP, 4 H, ER, BB, 4 K 5/19/2015 @ Nasvhille L 1-2 Brady Shoemaker, DH: 1-4, HR (4), RBI, R, 2 K Miguel Rojas, SS: 2-4 Jesus Flores, C: 1-3, 2B Scott Sizemore, 3B: 0-2, 2 2B, SB (2) Adam Conley, SP: 6 IP, 5 H, ER, 3 BB, 5 K 5/21/2015 vs El Paso PPD (rain) Rescheduled to 5/22 5/22/2015 vs El Paso Game 1 - L/7 1-4 Team: 3-24, BB, 5 K Salvador Sanchez, RP: 2.1 IP, BB, K James Nygren, RP: 2 IP, 2 H, K Game 2 - L/7 1-4 Team: 2-23, 2 BB, 5 K Isaac Galloway, CF: 1-3, 3B, RBI, K Robert Morey, SP: 4 IP, 3 H, ER, BB, 4 K 5/23/2015 vs El Paso W 4-2 Brady Shoemaker, 1B: 3-4, HR (5), 3 RBI, R Cole Gillespie, RF: 2-4, 2B, 2 R, SB (4) Miguel Rojas, SS: 2-4 Isaac Galloway, CF: 1-3, BB, SB (3) Justin Nicolino, SP: 7 IP, 6 H, 2 ER, BB, 4 K Bullpen: 2 IP, H, K 5/24/2015 vs El Paso L 3-10 Vinny Rottino, LF/1B: 1-3, HR (4), 2 RBI, 2 R, BB, 2 K Derek Dietrich, 2B: 2-4, 2 2B Pat Urckfitz, RP: 3 IP, 3 H, ER, 6 K 5/18/2015 @ Biloxi L/7 0-4 Carlos Lopez, RF: 2-3, 2B Sharif Othman, C: 1-2 5/19/2015 @ Biloxi L 6-7 David Adams, 2B: 1-3, HR (1), 2 RBI, 2 R, BB, 2 K Ryan Rieger, PH/RF: 1-4, HR (1), 4 RBI, R, K Craig Stem, RP: 2 IP 5/21/2015 vs Mississippi L/10 7-8 Carlos Lopez, RF: 4-6, 2 2B, 4 R, K Austin Nola, SS: 3-6, 2B, 3 RBI, R, K Ryan Rieger, LF: 3-5, 2B David Adams, 2B: 2-6 Kendry Flores, SP: 7 IP, 4 H, 2 R (1 ER), 2 BB, 2 K 5/22/2015 vs Mississippi L 2-3 Kenny Wilson, CF: 1-1, RBI, 2 BB, SB (4) Sharif Othman, C: 1-3, R, 2 K Jake Esch, SP: 6 IP, 2 H, 3 ER, 2 BB, 7 K Bullpen: 3 IP, 2 H, BB 5/23/2015 vs Mississippi L 0-6 Zack Cox, 3B: 3-4, 2 2B, K Matt Tomshaw, RP: 2 IP, H, K 5/24/2015 vs Mississippi W 2-0 Kenny Wilson, CF: 1-3, R, BB, SB (5) Austin Nola, SS: 1-4, RBI, R Terrence Dayleg, 2B: 1-2, BB Trevor Williams, SP: 6.1 IP, 5 H, 3 BB, 3 K Sean Donatello, RP: IP, K, SV (11) 5/18/2015 @ Charlotte W/11 1-0 J.T. Riddle, SS: 2-5, R Brian Anderson, 3B: 1-4, 2B, RBI, BB, 3 K Blake Barber, DH: 1-4, 2B, BB, K Jarlin Garcia, SP: 6 IP, 5 H, 2 BB, 4 K Bullpen: 5 IP, 4 H, 7 K 5/19/2015 @ Charlotte L 3-11 Kentrell Dewitt, LF: 2-4, 2B, 2 K J.T. Riddle, DH: 2-5, 2 R Austin Dean, RF: 2-5, R, K CJ Robinson, RP: 2 IP, 3 H, 2 K 5/20/2015 @ Charlotte W 2-1 Felix Munoz, 1B: 2-4, 2B, R Kentrell Dewitt, LF: 1-2, 2 RBI, K, SB (2) Scott Lyman, SP: 7 IP, 5 H, ER, 2 BB, 6 K Bullpen: 2 IP, H, K 5/21/2015 @ Daytona L 1-2 Avery Romero, 2-3, 3B, BB Austin Dean, RF: 1-4, R, K Esmerling De La Rosa, RP: 3 IP, BB, 2 K 5/23/2015 - 5/24/2015 @ Daytona W 13-7 Avery Romero, 2B: 3-5, 2B, RBI, 2 R, BB Brian Anderson, 3B: 2-4, HR (4), 2 RBI, BB, 2 R Austin Dean, RF: 1-5, HR (2), 3 RBI, 4 R Felix Munoz, 1B: 1-4, HR (2), 2 RBI, R, BB, K Jarlin Garcia, SP: 2 IP, H, ER, 2 K Juancito Martinez, RP: 2 IP, H, ER, K 5/24/2015 @ Daytona W/7 4-0 Brian Anderson, DH: 2-3, R Blake Barber, 3B: 1-3, 2B Rehiner Cordova, SS: 1-2, 2B, K Sean Townsley, SP: 6 IP, 4 H, 2 BB, 2 K 5/18/2015 @ Hagerstown L 0-5 Team: 1-28, 2 BB, 7 K Arturo Rodriguez, 1B: 1-3, 2B, BB Josh Hodges, RP: 3 IP, 3 H, BB, 5 K 5/19/2015 @ Hagerstown L 2-7 Rodrigo Vigil, C: 2-4 Ryan Aper, CF: 1-3, RBI, BB Mason Davis, 0-3, 2 SB (7, 8) John Norwood, LF: 1-4, K, SB (10) Jose Adames, SP: 5.1 IP, 4 H, 3 R (1 ER), 2 BB, 4 K 5/20/2015 @ Hagerstown L 2-5 K.J. Woods, DH: 2-3, HR (2), 2B, 2 RBI, R, 2 BB, K Ryan Aper, LF: 2-5, 2B, 2 K, SB (3) Austen Smith, 1B: 2-4 Tyler Kolek, SP: 4.2 IP, 6 H, 2 ER, 2 BB, 2 K 5/21/2015 @ Lakeland PPD (rain) Rescheduled to 5/22 5/22/2015 @ Lakeland Game 1 - L/7 0-4 Team: 2-24, 2B, 3 K Austen Smith, 1B: 1-3, 2B Jorgan Cavaneiro, SP: 5 IP, 7 H, 3 ER, BB, 4 K Game 2 - W/7 2-1 Mason Davis, CF: 2-3, 2B, R K,J. Woods, DH: 1-3, 2 RBI, K Austen Smith, 1B: 1-2, BB James Buckelew, SP: 4 IP, 2 H, ER, BB, 4 K Bullpen: 3 IP, H, 2 BB, 4 K 5/23/2015 @ Lakeland L 2-4 Austen Smith, 1B: 1-4, 2 RBI, K K.J. Woods, DH: 1-3, BB Ben Holmes, SP: 5.2 IP, 8 H, 3 R (2 ER), BB, 4 K 5/24/2015 @ Lakeland L 2-8 Austen Smith, 1B: 2-4, 2B, RBI Rony Cabrera, 2B: 2-4, BB, SB (3) Justin Twine, SS: 1-4, 2B Michael Mader, SP: 4.2 IP, 6 H, 5 R (3 ER), 2 BB, 4 K

With injuries to Mat Latos and Henderson Alvarez both of whom will serve time on the DL, the Marlins had two vacancies in their rotation to fill. On Monday, we found out who will serve the first one when the Fish called up Jose Urena from AAA. He will make his first start on Tuesday night. Urena spent time with the Marlins to begin the year but only got in to two games, both as a reliever before being sent back to the minors. With Latos (and his troublesome knee) and Alvarez (with his nagging shoulder issues) both out for what looks to be an extended period, Urena will get his first real look as a major leaguer rather than just warming the bench. Urena's call-up and first real shot in a Marlins' uniform is the culmination of a childhood dream as well as a lot of hard work which allowed him to go from international signee at 17 years old to MLB starter in just five years' time. Urena is a native of the Dominican Repubic, a country rich in the tradition of starting their children as soon as they can grip a baseball. Accordingly, it is no shock that his playing career is already five years old even though he is just 23. Urena's professional playing career began in 2009 when he was still a teenager after he signed with the Marlins for $52K (not a bad payday for a 17-year-old). After getting accustomed to facing professional hitters in his rookie year, Urena posted impressive numbers in 2010, posting a 2.61 ERA a team high 66 Ks, a minuscule walk total (7) and a team leading K/BB (9.43). In 2011, Urena made the move to the United States to play for the short season Jamestown Jammers. Again, it was a bit of a transitionary period for him as he got adjusted to a new set of rules and style of ball played in America. However, he was still able to hold down respectable numbers including 48 strikeouts, third on the team. In 2012, Urena got promoted to single A Greensboro for his first full season. It was here where he first started to attract the attention of scouts. The attention was well warranted. Urena finished the season with numbers that rivaled the likes of Jose Fernandez and Andrew Heaney. In 27 games (22 starts), he posted a 9-6 record with a 3.38 ERA. He struck out 101 batters in his 138.1 IP or an average of about 7 per game. His 1.9 BB/9 ranked third on the team ahead of Fernandez. He did so on the backs of a great fastball/changeup combo, a developing slider, and well above average control for a 20-year-old getting accustomed not only to baseball but also life in the USA. 2013 greeted Urena with another jump in level, this time to A+ Jupiter. He greeted the promotion by pitching more innings (149.2), totalling more Ks (107), posting the same amount of walks (29), and, for the first time in his American baseball career, allowed less hits (155) than IP. His ERA slightly rose but his FIP improved from 3.99 to 3.21. Urena's stuff continued to improve. The flatness that his fastball sometimes had during his first few seasons seemed to disappear and the velocity was well maintained at 95-96 with the ability to reach 98-99. The mix in changeup maintained its good life and his work-in-progress slider continued to improve with more tilt thanks to better arm action. Urena continued to march his way through the Marlins' system in 2014 with another promotion and another good showing, this time with AA Jacksonville. Again, Urena's durable young frame allowed him to improve upon his totals in IP (162) and Ks. Outstandingly, for a third straight year, Urena walked just 29 hitters, proving his command had turned the corner. His 4.17 K/BB was a career high and led all Suns' pitchers with at least 50 IP. His 121 Ks blew away the rest of the competiton on the team and his 3.33 ERA was the lowest he had posted since his days in the Dominican Republic. With his best season to date, Urena found himself climbing in to the top 10 best organizational prospects. Urena proved he deserved yet another call-up, his fourth in four years, by finishing the season with a 2.09 ERA and a 52/10 K/BB over his final ten starts while never allowing an XBH in any of them. [youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sUzmm1rbTL0] In his first 37.1 IP this season, Urena has proven that he is major league ready. With his fastball consistently sitting at 96, his changeup darting outside away from hitters, and a slider that has become a plus pitch, Urena has outperformed the likes of Justin Nicolino, who was always ranked above him on top prospect boards on their way up, to become the Zephyr most deserving of getting the call. Not only does Urena lead his team's rotation in a pluthera of categories including ERA, WHIP, K/9 and fewest hits allowed, his 1.21 ERA leads the entire Pacific Coast League. So what can you expect to see with Urena on the hill? You can expect to see a tall lanky righty who works with confidence and remembers his roots. Taking after his on-again-off-again teammate Jose Fernandez who came from a similar beginning, very seldom in his starts will you see Urena without a smile on his face. His now fully developed arsenal includes a high-90s fastball usually sitting in the 95-97 MPH area with good movement but with the ability to ramp up as high as 99. His mix-in changeup which he throws just as variably as the heat, softens up to the lower end of the 90 MPH spectrum. He will also mix in the occasional curveball when ahead in counts. By far Urena's best secondary pitch though is the slider that he has been working on since his days in single A. It is thanks to this pitch that starts well outside and tails back over the plate with high 80s velo that has allowed the scouts that pegged him as a high leverage reliever wrong and wind up starting today's game for the Marlins. The bottom line: Overall, Urena is a kid with a great backstory that is proof that from maturity, hard work and confidence in yourself can take you as far as you want to go in life. When he takes the mound tonight, he will undoubtedly have the eyes of not only the baseball scouting world including the Marlins' front office but also of his home nation upon him. However, Urena has never been phased by pressure. Rather, he has embraced it. If his reputation of rising up to any challenge continues to show itself, Urena could become a fixture in the Marlins' rotation for not only the rest of the year but for the foreseeable future.

Brady Shoemaker, 1B/OF AAA Bi-weekly Stats: 11-32 (.344), 2 HR, 3B, 4 2B, 12 RBI, 7 BB, 10 K The road to the show is almost never an easy one and quite occasionally, it is a very hard one to hoe. Just ask Brady Shoemaker. A country-strong 6'0" 190 pounder from Indiana, put his athleticism on full display during his days as a high schooler by playing and playing well in two different Northview High School uniforms -- baseball and football. In baseball, he was a letterman in all four of his high school years. In football, he won letters in three of his seasons. In his senior year, Shoemaker was named to Indiana's all-state teams in both sports. Despite his success as a defensive back, Shoemaker always considered his lifelong dream to be a professional baseball player. After high school, he moved on to Olney Junior College where he still owns school records in nearly every major hitting category including best BA (.456), most doubles (53), most runs scored (138) most RBIs (156). From there, he made the jump to the ranks of the NCAA at Indiana State University for the final two years of his college career. In 2009, Shoemaker started all 50 of the Sycamores' games. He continued his trend of leading his team in all major statistics by collecting the most homers (9), most doubles (13), most RBIs (68), highest slugging percentage (.556) highest OBP (.437) and best K/BB (32/30). In his senior year, the Sycamores posted a 33-21 record, their best season in six years' time, making them runners up for the division title. Shoemaker once again led his team in offense by way of even more beastly numbers. Not only did Shoemaker once again lead his team in every major batting marker, his totals in runs (65), walks (43), total bases (142), OBP (.512), slugging (.700), and OPS (1.212) were best in the entire Missouri Valley conference and earned him a spot on the All-Conference team. To make it even more clear how ridiculously well he performed that season, Shoemaker ranked 67th in all of Division I baseball in slugging, 60th in runs per game (1.2), 58th in walks, 19th in OBP, and 11th in RBIs per game (1.36). Shoemaker was successful off of the field as well that year. He rounded out his resume by being named to the All-Academic team, making him quite the attractive piece in the 2010 MLB Draft. In the 50-round MLB draft in 2010, the White Sox took Shoemaker in the 19th. Even for a lot of major leaguers who go on to have successful careers, transitioning from college to the majors is not an easy task. So when Shoemaker hit safely in each of his first 28 games as a pro, he really began to turn heads. What is more is that in those 28 games, Shoemaker proved that he can hit both lefties and righties effectively. A right handed hitter, he even hit righties slightly better over that span (313 vs LHP; .459 vs RHP) which was all the more encouraging. Appearing in 57 of the Bristol White Sox's 68 games in his rookie year, Shoemaker's tendency to lead his team in offense reared its head for a third straight year. His .351/.426/.585 slash line along with his 120 total bases, 30 XBHs and 34 RBIs were all tops on that year's squad. His 1.011 OPS ranked fifth in the entire Appalachian League and outdid the likes of Jose Altuve and Brian Dozier. Shoemaker's first full major league season came in 2010 when he appeared in 96 games for the White Sox's single A affiliate Kannapolis Intimidators. The hits kept coming for Shoemaker, who was once again the best hitter on the team with a .293/.381/.473 line. Shoemaker placed 11th in the entire Sally League in OPS, outperforming league mates Altuve, Juan Lagares and Jimmy Paredes and falling just short of outdoing Nolan Arenado. The only knock against Shoemaker's game that year was the fact that he posted a career worse 2.51 K/BB but that can be attributed to the fact that he was hitting for a sub-par team that without him slashed just .256/.274/.386. Despite the high K total, Shoemaker looked primed to begin 2011 in A+ and stay on pace to make the majors by age 27. However, the White Sox had other plans. While Altuve and Paredes received promotions to A+ or higher, Shoemaker inexplicably was shunned by Chicago and kept in single A Kannapolis for the bulk of the 2011 season. Despite the frustration of not being rewarded for great play, Shoemaker continued to mash at the plate and put together another great season. As you may have guessed by now, he once again led the Intimidators in all three slash categories (319/.399/.493). The K/BB ratio normalized that season, improving nearly a full strikeout to 1.81. Shoemaker finally made the jump to high A at the end of the season where he posted respectable numbers in a small cup of coffee. In 2012, Shoemaker responded to the fact that he was ignored by the White Sox an offseason previous by making it impossible for them to take their eyes off him. With the K/BB rate at his norm (1.80), he flew through A+ by hitting .331/.422/.549 with 36 XBHs and 59 RBIs. He was a Carolina League All-Star and was invited to the Home Run Derby which he won. For the second half of the season, Shoemaker was called up to AA Birmingham where he posted respectable numbers in 56 games, including a .408 OBP by way of a 1.31 K/BB the best he had posted at any level since his college days, proving his elevated K rate from 2011 which evidently caused the White Sox to subject him to another year of single A ball (there is no other explanation) was a one time thing. After everything Shoemaker accomplished and after everything he endured in the first three years of his career, he still looked primed and ready to be a major leaguer by the time 2014 and his 27th year rolled around. Then the end of the season happened when Shoemaker was injured and had to go under the knife for a torn labrum in his throwing shoulder. The injury caused him to miss the entirety of the 2013 season. As a 26-year-old who spent a full season away from the game, his baseball career could very well have been over. But the Marlins showed confidence and respect in Shoemaker's ability and selected him in the AAA portion of the 2014 Rule 5 Draft, acquiring him the same way they acquired their now starting first baseman, Justin Bour. Shoemaker has rewarded that confidence by playing some of the best ball of his career at the highest level he has ever seen. He has reached base safely in 26 of his 27 starts by way of a .297/.381/.446 slash line, each of which rank in the top 15 in the PCL. Without looking at his career statistics and judging simply by the fact that he is once again pacing his squad in slugging, OPS and homers, and is second in RBIs and total bases, one would have no idea that Shoemaker missed an entire season. [youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-tVXRAJwMqo] At the plate, Shoemaker minimizes the strikezone by getting extremely low and crowding the plate by leaning over it. He uses a front foot trigger to time his swing and gets the bat through the zone with good speed. He is one of the pickiest and most selective hitters in the entire PCL with a great knowledge of the strike zone and the ability to battle back from any count. As is evident by his .202 ISO, Shoemaker hits for extra bases more often than not. He has his soft hands and his ability to hit to the opposite field (which scouts once praised as uncanny) to thank for that. Due to all of his tools, Shoemaker is a guy with good power than could slot anywhere from 3-5 in the lineup but also possesses the patience and hit ability needed to bat second. As he did to start his career, Shoemaker has hit both lefties and righties equally well this year (.342 vs LHP, .299 vs RHP), making him a potential every day player. "He just has a knack to hit," manager Andy Haines says. "From what I see, he can be a guy with [good] OBP and slugging with more doubles than homers." Defensively, Shoemaker was an outfielder for his entire career prior to his injury. He has posted serviceable numbers in his 384 games and 3254 innings in left field, committing just six errors and posting a range factor right around league average (1.58). Now though, his rehabilitated shoulder and size serve him best for first. "He has a tough profile," Haines says. "But first base is most obviously his best position." Overall, Shoemaker, now 28, has had some tough breaks in his minor leauge career but through it all, has continued to hit and play well at any level even after spending a season out of the game. With the Marlins who at the moment have limited outfield help (just four on the 40-man) and a high-priced first baseman who has performed poorly and all but been replaced by a rookie and whose contract they may be looking to offload pretty soon, he may have finally found the ticket he needs to get to the majors. Should Shoemaker's success with the Zs continue throughout the season, his lifelong dream of pulling on an MLB jersey could come to fruition by the end of the year.

5/4/2015 @ Oklahoma City L 2-5 Brady Shoemaker, 1B: 2-4, 2B, RBI, K Juan Diaz, 3B: 3-4 Grant Dayton, RP: 2 IP, K 5/5/2015 @ Oklahoma City PPD (rain) Rescheduled to 8/2 5/6/2015 @ Oklahoma City W 4-3 Miguel Rojas, SS: 2-3, 2B, 2 RBI, R, BB, K Jordany Valdespin, LF: 1-4, 2B, SB (4), 2 RBI, BB, K Isaac Galloway, CF: 0-2, SB (2), 2 R, 2 BB, K Andre Rienzo, SP: 6 IP, 3 H, BB, 7 K 5/7/2015 @ Oklahoma City L 6-7 Vinny Rottino, C: 4-4, 2 2B, 3B, 3 RBI, 2 R Cole Gillespie, RF: 2-5, 2B, R Justin Nicolino, SP: 6 IP, 12 H, 5 ER, 2 BB, 3 K 5/8/2015 @ Memphis W 13-1 Cole Gillespie, RF: 4-6, 2B, RBI, 3 R Derek Dietrich, 2B: 3-5, 2B, 4 RBI, 2 R Brandon Bantz, C: 2-3, HR (1), 4 RBI, R, 2 BB Vinny Rottino, 1B: 2-5, HR (2), 2 RBI, R, BB Jose Urena, SP: 7.1 IP, 7 H, 2 BB, 4 K 5/9/2015 @ Memphis W 5-2 Brady Shoemaker, LF: 1-3, HR (2), 3 RBI, 2 R, BB Derek Dietrich, 2B: 2-4, RBI, K Adam Conley, SP: 6 IP, 3 H, 2 ER, 4 BB, 3 K Bullpen: 3 IP, 4 H, 4 K 5/10/2015 @ Memphis W 7-0 Isaac Galloway, CF: 2-3, HR (1), 3 RBI, R, 2 K Cole Gillespie, RF: 3-4, 2B, R, BB Vinny Rottino, 1B: 2-5, 2 RBI, R Miguel Rojas, SS: 2-5, 2B, R, K Pat Misch, SP: 6 IP, 2 H, 7 BB, 3 K James Nygren, RP: 3 IP, K 5/11/2015 @ Memphis L 1-2 Miguel Rojas, SS: 2-4, BB Brandon Bantz, C: 1-4, HR (2), RBI, R, K Andre Rienzo, SP: 7 IP, 5 H, ER, 4 K Carter Capps, RP: 2 IP, BB, 2 K 5/12/2015 vs Oklahoma City W 5-0 Isaac Galloway, CF: 4-4, 2B, 3B, RBI, 2 R Cole Gillespie, LF: 2-4, 2B, 2 RBI, K Miguel Rojas, SS: 1-3, 2 RBI, R Justin Nicolino, SP: 6 IP, 8 H, 2 K 5/13/2015 vs Oklahoma City W 10-4 Reid Brignac, 2B: 3-4, 3 RBI, R, BB Brandon Bantz, C: 3-4, RBI, 2 R Brady Shoemaker, 1B: 1-4, 2B, RBI, R, 2 K Jose Urena, SP: 7 IP, 7 H, 4 R (2 ER), 2 BB, 2 K 5/14/2015 vs Oklahoma City L 4-6 Vinny Rottino, C: 3-4, RBI, R, K Juan Diaz, 3B: 1-4, HR (1), RBI, R, K Brady Shoemaker, LF: 1-3, RBI Cole Gillespie, RF: 2-4 Robert Morey, RP: 2 IP, 2 H, R (0 ER) 3 K 5/15/2015 vs Oklahoma City L 3-8 Jesus Flores, C: 3-4, 2B, R Juan Diaz, 3B: 2-4, RBI Cole Gillespie, RF: 1-4, K Bullpen: 4.2 IP, 5 H, ER, 2 K 5/16/2015 @ Nashville W/18 7-5 Miguel Rojas, SS: 3-9, 3B, 2 RBI, R, K Cole Gillespie, CF: 2-5, RBI, 3 BB, K Scott Sizemore, 3B: 5-6, R, BB Brady Shoemaker, DH: 1-7, HR (3), 2 RBI, R, BB, 2 K Vinny Rottino, 1B: 1-7, HR (3), 2 RBI, R, BB, K Andre Rienzo, SP: 6.1 IP, 3 H, 4 R (3 ER), 4 BB, 2 K Bullpen: 11.2 IP, 8 H, ER, 2 BB, 9 K 5/17/2015 @ Nashville L 2-6 Scott Sizemore, 2B: 2-4, RBI, K Justin Nicolino, SP: 6.2 IP, 7 H, 4 ER, 3 BB, K 5/4/2015 @ Chattanooga L 0-2 Sharif Othman, C: 2-4 David Adams, 3B: 1-2, 2 BB Kendry Flores, SP: 8 IP, H, BB, 5 K 5/5/2015 @ Mobile L 6-8 Carlos Lopez, LF: 3-5, 2 2B, 2 RBI, K Viosergy Rosa, 1B: 2-4, 2B, RBI Zack Cox, 3B: 1-4, HR (2), 2 RBI, R Greg Nappo, RP: 2 IP, H, 2 K 5/6/2015 @ Mobile W 2-1 Zack Cox, 3B: 3-4, 2 2B, 2 R Carlos Lopez, LF: 2-4 Jake Esch, SP: 7 IP, 5 H, 3 BB, 8 K 5/7/2015 @ Mobile L 4-11 David Adams, 3B: 2-2, RBI, R, 2 BB Matt Juengel, LF: 2-5, R, K Kenny Wilson, CF: 1-5, HR (3), RBI, R Trevor Williams, SP: 5 IP, 7 H, 6 ER, 4 BB, 3 K 5/8/2015 @ Mobile W/14 4-2 David Adams, 3B: 2-5, 2B, BB Carlos Lopez, RF: 1-6, 2 RBI, 2 K Viosergy Rosa, 1B: 1-5, R, BB, 2 K Chipper Smith, SP: 6.2 IP, 6 H, 2 R (1 ER), BB, 7 K Greg Nappo, RP: IP, BB, 3 K Bullpen: 7.1 IP, 2 H, 3 BB, 6 K 5/9/2015 @Mobile W 8-2 Kenny Wilson, CF: 4-5, 2 R, SB (3) Sharif Othman, C: 2-5, 3B, RBI, 2 R, K Zack Cox, 3B: 2-4, 2B, RBI, R, BB Ryan Rieger, LF: 2-5, 3B, RBI, R David Adams, 3B: 1-4, 3B, R, BB, 2 K Kendry Flores, SP: 6 IP, 5 H, ER, BB, 7 K 5/11/2015 vs Pensacola W 5-4 Zack Cox, 3B: 2-4, HR (3), 2B, RBI, R, 2 K Viosergy Rosa, 1B: 1-3, HR (2), RBI, R, BB Kenny Wilson, CF: 2-4, 2B, 3B, R, K David Adams, 2B: 2-4, R Austin Brice, SP: 5 IP, 2 ER, 6 BB, 4 K 5/12/2015 vs Pensacola L 0-5 Austin Nola, SS: 2-4 Zack Cox, 3B/Viosergy Rosa, 1B: 1-3, BB 5/13/2015 vs Pensacola L 1-5 Austin Nola, 2B: 1-3, 2B, BB, K Chadd Krist, C: 1-3, 2B, BB, 2 K Kenny Wilson, CF: 1-4, R, BB Brian Ellington, RP: 3 IP, 5 K Greg Nappo/Craig Stem, RP: IP, 0 H 5/14/2015 vs Pensacola L 2-5 Zack Cox, 3B: 2-3, 2B, R, BB, K David Adams, 1B: 2-4, RBI Kenny Wilson, CF: 2-4, 2B, R Carlos Lopez, RF: 2-4, 2B, K Chipper Smith, SP: 6 IP, 7 H, 3 ER, BB, 2 K 5/15/2015 vs Pensacola L 1-3 Matt Juengel, LF: 2-4 Carlos Lopez, RF: 2-4, R Viosergy Rosa, 1B: 1-2, BB Kendry Flores, 7 IP, 5 H, 2 BB, 8 K 5/16/2015 @ Biloxi PPD (rain) Rescheduled to 5/17 5/17/2015 @ Biloxi Game 1 - W/7 8-7 Zack Cox, 3B: 2-3, 2B, RBI, 2 R, 2B Viosergy Rosa, 1B: 1-3, 2 RBI, R Chadd Krist, C: 1-4, HR (2), 3 RBI, R David Adams, 2B: 2-4, RBI, R Greg Nappo, RP: 2.1 IP, 2 H, ER, 2 BB, K Sean Donatello, RP, 1.1 IP, SV (10), H, K Game 2 - L/7 1-2 Terrence Dayleg, 3B: 2-4, 2B, RBI Sharif Othman, C: 3-3 Jake Esch, SP: 5 IP, 3 H, ER, BB, 2 K 5/4/2015 vs Charlotte W 9-1 Austin Dean, DH: 3-4, 2B, 3 RBI, 2 R, K Christian Yelich, LF (rehab): 1-3, R, SB (1), BB Kentrell Dewitt, LF: 1-1, 3B, RBI Yefri Perez, CF: 2-3, RBI, R, SB (7), BB, K Cameron Flynn, RF: 2-4, 2 R, K Scott Lyman, SP: 6 IP, 3 H, 2 K 5/5/2015 vs Charlotte W 4-0 Austin Dean, LF: 2-4, 2B, RBI, R, K Chris Hoo, C: 1-2, 2B, R, BB J.T. Riddle, SS: 1-4, RBI, 2 R Chris Sadberry, SP: 5 IP, 7 H, 4 BB, 4 K Bullpen: 3 IP, H, 3 BB, 4 K 5/6/2015 vs Charlotte L 2-3 Christian Yelich, LF (rehab): 2-4, 2B, R, K Yefri Perez, DH: 1-3, 2B, SB (9) Avery Romero, 2B: 2-4, RBI Alex Burgos, SP: 3 IP, 4 H Juancito Martinez, RP: 2 IP, 2 K 5/7/2015 @ Fort Myers L 6-9 Austin Dean, RF: 2-4, 2B, 3 RBI, R, K Yefri Perez, CF: 2-4, 2B, R, SB (10) Kentrell Dewitt, LF: 3-3, R, SB (1) Jarlin Garcia, SP: 6 IP, 8 H, 3 ER, 2 BB, 6 K 5/8/2015 @ Fort Myers L 4-6 Austin Dean, LF: 3-4, 2B, 3B, RBI, 2 R Rehiner Cordova, SS: 2-4, RBI, K Sean Townsley, SP: 6 IP, 11 H, 5 R (4 ER), 2 BB, 2 K 5/9/2015 @ Fort Myers L/10 2-3 Chris Hoo, C: 2-4, R Austin Dean, LF: 1-3, BB Scott Lyman, SP: 6 IP, 4 H, ER, 5 K 5/11/2015 vs Lakeland W 4-0 Cameron Flynn, RF: 2-4, R, SB (3) Felix Munoz, 1B: 1-3, R, BB Chris Sadberry, SP: 6 IP, 3 H, K Bullpen: 3 IP, BB, 2 K 5/12/2015 vs Lakeland W 3-2 J.T. Riddle, SS: 2-4, BB, R, SB (5) Felix Munoz, 1B: 2-5 Chris Hoo, C: 2-3, BB Henderson Alvarez, SP (rehab): 6 IP, 4 H, 5 K Tyler Bremer, RP: 2 IP, 3 K 5/13/2015 vs Lakeland L 0-2 Team: 3-29, 9 K Jarlin Garcia, SP: 5.2 IP, 2 H, 2 BB, 6 K Matt Milroy, RP: 2.1 IP, H, 2 BB, 3 K 5/14/2015 vs Lakeland L 1-4 Avery Romero, 2B: 2-3, BB Cameron Flynn, RF: 1-4, R, SB (4) Kentrell Dewitt, LF: 1-3, BB, K Sean Townsley, SP: 5 IP, 7 H, 4 R (2 ER), BB, 5 K Steven Farnsworth, RP: 3 IP, 3 H, 2 BB, K 5/15/2015 vs Fort Myers W 2-1 Austin Dean, LF: 2-3, 2 2B, RBI, BB Yefri Perez, CF: 1-3, R, K, SB (12) J.T. Riddle, SS: 1-4, RBI, R, K Scott Lyman, SP: 6 IP, 3 H, ER, 4 BB Miguel Del Pozo, RP: 2 IP, 3 H, BB, 3 K 5/16/2015 vs Fort Myers W 3-2 Chris Hoo, C: 1-3, R, BB Avery Romero, 2B: 1-4, R, 2 K Ryan Newell, SP: 4 IP, 5 H, 2 R (1 ER), BB, 3 K Bullpen: 5 IP, 2 H, 2 BB, 7 K 5/17/2015 vs Fort Myers L 3-5 J.T. Riddle, SS: 4-5, 2B, RBI, R Yefri Perez, CF: 2-4, R, K Austin Dean, LF: 1-4, 2B, RBI Chris Sadberry, SP: 5 IP, 7 H, 2 ER, BB, 5 K 5/4/2015 vs West Virginia W 7-3 Justin Twine, SS: 4-4, 2B, 3 R Arturo Rodriguez, 1B: 2-4, 2B, 2 RBI K.J. Woods, DH: 2-3, RBI, R, BB, K Scott Squier, SP: 5 IP, 5 H, 3 ER, 2 BB, 4 K Bullpen: 4 IP, 2 H, 4 K 5/6/2015 @ Hickory L 0-1 Team: 3-28, 3 BB, 13 K Ben Holmes, SP: 5 IP, 2 H, 4 K 5/7/2015 @ Hickory L 0-7 Rodrigo Vigil, C: 2-4, 2B, K Brian Schales, 3B: 1-3, 2B, K Mason Davis, CF: 2-4, SB (5) Bullpen: 4.1 IP, 5 H, ER, 6 K 5/8/2015 @ Hickory L 2-3 Austen Smith, LF: 1-2, HR (7), RBI, R, 2 BB K.J. Woods, DH: 2-4, 2B, R, K Rodrigo Vigil, C: 2-3, RBI, BB Jose Adames, SP: 5 IP, 5 H, 3 R (2 ER), BB Bullpen: 3 IP, H, 5 K 5/9/2015 @ Rome W 8-5 Justin Twine, SS: 3-5, 2B, 2 R, SB (2) Ryan Aper, CF: 1-5, HR (1), 4 RBI, R, K Rony Cabrera, 3B: 3-5, RBI Rodrigo Vigil, C: 2-5, 2 RBI, R, K K.J. Woods, DH: 1-2, R, 3 BB Tyler Kolek, SP: 5 IP, 4 H, 2 ER, 2 BB, K 5/10/2015 @ Rome W 14-4 K.J. Woods, DH: 3-4, RBI, BB, 2 R Brian Schales, 3B: 3-4, 2 RBI, BB, 2 R Arturo Rodriguez, C: 1-5, 3 RBI, BB, 2 R Zach Sullivan, RF: 2-4, RBI, 2 R, BB, 2 K 5/11/2015 @ Rome L/10 6-7 Justin Twine, SS: 2-5, 2B, RBI, R Mason Davis, DH: 2-5, RBI, R Ryan Aper, CF: 0-3, 2 BB, 2 R, K Sam Alvis, RP: 2 IP, 2 H, BB, 3 K James Buckelew, 2.2 IP, 2 H, 4 K 5/12/2015 @ Rome W 2-1 Mason Davis, 2B: 2-4, 2B, R, BB Ryan Aper, CF: 2-4, 2B, RBI Zach Sullivan, LF: 1-3, BB, K, SB (3) Michael Mader, SP: 6 IP, 5 H, 3 BB, 4 K 5/14/2015 vs Delmarva Game 1 - L/7 1-3 Rony Cabrera, 2B: 1-3, 2B, R Arturo Rodriguez, 1B: 1-3, RBI Austen Smith, LF: 1-1, 2 BB Justin Twine, SS: 1-2 Jose Adames, SP: 5.2 IP, 5 H, 5 BB, 4 K Game 2 - W/7 5-0 Arturo Rodriguez, C: 2-3, 2B, RBI, R, BB Austen Smith, DH: 1-2, HR (8), 2 RBI, R, 2 BB, SB (1) Zach Sullivan, RF: 1-3, 2B, R Drew Steckenrider, SP: 5 IP, H, 2 BB, 7 K Josh Hodges, RP: 2 IP, BB, 3 K 5/15/2015 vs Delmarva L 4-6 Rony Cabrera, 2B: 3-5, 3B, R Justin Twine, SS: 2-4, 2B, 2 K Mason Davis, CF: 1-5, HR (2), RBI, R Brian Schales, 3B: 2-4, RBI Tyler Kolek, SP: 5 IP, 5 H, 4 ER, 3 BB, 6 K 5/16/2015 vs Delmarva W 8-5 K.J. Woods, 1B: 2-4, HR (1), RBI, 2 R Brian Schales, 3B: 2-4, 2B, R John Norwood, RF: 2-3, 2 RBI, R, SB (6) Rodrigo Vigil, C: 3-4, 2 RBI, 2 R Austen Smith, DH: 1-3, RBI, R, BB, 2 K 5/17/2015 vs Delmarva L 5-11 Austen Smith, DH: 2-4, 2B, RBI, K Arturo Rodriguez, 1B: 2-5, RBI Felix Castillo, C: 3-4, 2B, R Justin Twine, SS: 1-4, HR (1), 2 RBI, R Ryan Aper, CF: 1-4, HR (2), RBI, R, 2 K

After flying through the minor league system in just four seasons, posting a 231/110 K/BB and a 3.40 ERA, Steve Cishek took over closing duties for the Marlins on a full time basis in 2012. From then until the end of last season, he was as close to a sure thing as the Fish had ever seen in the ninth inning, converting 88 of his 94 save opportunities. At just 29-years-old entering this season, it appeared as though, after some years of searching, the Marlins had found their long-term go to guy in save situations. However, this season, it has all come crumbling down. With his velocity down and his breaking stuff up, Cishek blew three of his first five opportunities. The Fish tried to let Cishek work his issues out on his own but after last night's latest debilitating loss to the Dodgers in which Christian Yelich hit a go-ahead two run homer in the top of the ninth only to have it undone by a walk-off homer given up by their closer, the Marlins have no choice but to take action and remove Cishek from the closing role. For the time being, the Marlins have said they will go with a closer by committee approach with AJ Ramos getting the bulk of the save opportunities. While he has been able to limit long balls in his career, a huge plus for any high leverage situation pitcher, unless he can make a complete turnaround in the amount of walks he gives up per nine innings (5.07), Ramos will come and go as Miami's closer. There have been rumblings that the Fish are interested in Rafael Soriano but at 35 years old, having entered the All-Star break with an ERA under 1.00 only to end the year with it sitting at just about 7.00, and having not pitched since last September, a month in which he blew two of his four save chances, he is far from a sure thing either. So, assuming the current trends continue with Cishek, Ramos and Soriano, where else are the Marlins to look for answers when it comes to a door-slammer? And what is the state of the long term answer to their sudden ninth inning woes? Let's have a look at some options. Carter Capps AAA 2015 Stats: 13 IP, 3 ER, 0 HR, 6.9 BB/9, 8.3 K/9 A highly touted third round draft pick by the Seattle Mariners who had a strong first 18 games in his rookie season, Capps came to the Marlins in return for Logan Morrison after he scuffled a bit during the 2013 season when it came to giving up runs. Despite his struggles with the big boys that year in keeping runs off the board, he struck out 66 in 59 innings. After being sent down at the end of the season, it appears as though Capps was able to figure the rest of his game out between the seven games he tossed for the Mariners' AAA affiliate and the next season's spring campaign. His 2014 regular season numbers defend that assertion. After giving up just two runs and holding down a 2.83 K/BB over 11 innings with the Zephyrs in 2014, Capps got his first shot in a Marlins' uniform. He held down a 2.35 FIP and struck out 25 hitters to just five walks, all but assuring himself a spot in the Miami pen this year. But after an unimpressive spring in which he gave up five runs in just 4.2 IP, Capps was sent back to the minors. His slow start to 2015 has continued with the Zs. Though he has done well in the way of limiting earned runs, he has gotten knocked around to the tune of a 5.5 hits per nine innings. Most alarming, Capps' strikeout numbers are way down and his walk total is high. However, struggling to find a handle on his pitches early on is nothing new for the 24-year-old fireballer. Over his first eight major league games in 2012, Capps posted a 10/6 K/BB only to end that season at the 28/11 mark. Again in 2014, Capps walked six in his first seven games only to end the season at a total of 14 free passes over 27 games at different levels, including the 17 games he spent in the majors. If these two seasons are any indication, Capps, now at 13 IP, is at the mark where he usually turns it on. When he is on, Capps is nearly unhittable and has a perfect closer's makeup. With a fastball sitting consistently at 95 miles per hour and often reaching triple digits and an above-average out pitch slider in the mid-80s, he hides the ball very well and is the physical embodiment of a fan cranked up to the highest setting. While he may be a bit of a risk, he is a much more worth-while risk than the likes of AJ Ramos and Rafael Soriano. If the Fish are willing to take chances like that, they should have no problem giving Capps a look. Nick Wittgren AAA 2015 Stats: 13.2 IP, 3 ER, 2 HR, 1.9 BB/9, 7.6 K/9 Wittgren is a sizeable 6'3" 210 pound country grown righty who comes from quite the pedigree. After attending high school in Louisianna, Wittgren went to Purdue where all he managed to do was strike out 94 batters to just 22 walks, save 22 games, give up just two homers, and post a collective 2.54 ERA over his first two college years. At that point, the Marlins had seen enough to take Wittgren from the Boilermakers at the end of just his junior season. Wittgren has rewarded the Marlins' confidence in his ability by flying through the minor league system in just two seasons. A three pitch pitcher, Wittgren has used a low 90s fastball, a good moving low 80's curve and a a good riding low 80's changeup to stifle opposing hitters to the tune of a 1.061 WHIP and a 5.94 K/BB ratio. Last season in 66 AA innings, Wittgren converted 20 of his 25 save opportunities successfully while holding down a 4.00 K/BB. On the early season this year, Wittgren has struck out 15 and walked just two. While he has given up two long balls in his 12 IP, that can be attributed to the 23-year-old's nerves at the highest level he has ever pitched at. This is the immediate future of the closer role for the Marlins beginning preferably at the beginning of next season once Wittgren has a year of AAA experience under his belt. However, circumstances may call for Wittgren to begin his major league career sooner than that. Stay tuned. Juanctio Martinez A+ 2015 Stats: 17.1 IP, 3 ER, 0 HR, 3.1 BB/9, 11.4 K/9 A one time outfielder who never offered much in the way of offensive production, Martinez made the move to the mound at the end of the 2013 season. Tossing the ball for the first time for short season Batavia, Martinez literally came out of nowhere and just started firing pure heat. Using the same arm that alowed him to collect 18 outfield assists over his first six seasons, the 6'1" 170 pound righty held down a 2.39 FIP, a 3.00 K/BB, and saved six games over his first 28.2 IP. His 33 strikeouts were good enough for sixth on last season's Muckdogs squad even though he tossed at least 11 innings less than all of those ahead of him. His 1.19 WHIP ranked him tenth in the entire New York Penn League. This season, Martinez held down a perfect ERA over his first 12 games and 16 innings before finally having an off night his last time out. Despite the off night last Tuesday, Martinez still holds down a 2.07 FIP and a 22.5 K/BB. His 0.98 WHIP ranks him amongst the Florida State League's best hurlers. The control Martinez possesses for a guy with under 40 innings of work under his belt that nearly touches triple digits on a regular basis is nothing short of remarkable. Should Martinez continue on his current pace, there is no reason why he shouldn't get a look at making his first major league squad in two year's time. For a guy who seemed to be nothing more than a late-inning defensive replacement (if even that) just a year and a half ago, the Marlins have to be thrilled to have brought Martinez's pitching skill out from under the shroud of mediocrity. Remember this name because should he stick with the Marlins, you will be hearing it come up a lot in the future. Andre Rienzo AAA 2015 Stats: 33.2 IP, 11 ER, 3 HR, 2.9 BB/9, 8.6 K/9 Rienzo, a South American export, is a 6'3" 190 pound righty whose major league career got off to a bit of a premature start. Despite only managing to hold down a 4.06 ERA over 46.2 IP in 2013 and having an ill-tasting cup of coffee to end that year in the majors, depth problems caused the White Sox to start Rienzo's clock early and make him part of their 2014 rotation. The 25-year-old received a predictable rude welcome to the majors that season, starting 11 games and getting lit up to the tune of a .275/.356/.463 line against. After being sent back to the minors at the end of 2014, the Marlins targeted Rienzo as a low-risk option and swung a trade with the White Sox for aging reliever Dan Jennings. Since putting on a Marlins uniform, Rienzo has been tossing some of the best baseball of his career so far this season at the back end of the Zephyrs' rotation. He has pitched into the fifth inning in all of his starts and has only given up more than three runs once. Relying more heavily on generating contact rather than Ks, Rienzo is using his breaking pitches a lot more early in counts rather than trying to ramp up his average four seam fastball. It has worked wonders for his game. While inducing 37 ground outs and 53 flyouts through his first 33 innings, Rienzo has held down an ERA under 3. His minuscule line drive rate would suggest that Rienzo has his pitches moving and moving well. Despite all of Rienzo's improvements this season though, it is hard to imagine a guy with a very average low-90's fastball without much command has much of a future as a starter. However, should this version of Rienzo continue to show itself, what he can be is a decent late inning reliever. The fact that Rienzo can induce contact and with it a pluthera of groundballs and flyballs would probably best suit his usefulness for roles in which he inherits runners and gets important inning-ending outs. However, this season, Rienzo has made some good strides in pitching from the windup and is generating enough whiffs with his good offspeed stuff to warrant a look in either the setup or closing roles where his offspeed repertoire would be a good change of pace. It is for that reason that he makes our list of possible candidates. Sean Donatello AA 2015 Stats: 14.2 IP, 5 ER, 2 HR, 2.45 BB/9, 9.20 K/9 A fourth year pro drafted by the Marlins out of Connecticut where he posted an undefeated 20-0 record by giving up just 19 earned runs over 150 innings pitched, Donatello took his first shot at closing games in 2014 and fared pretty well. Though he gave up a heightened amount of hits (10.9 H/9), Donatello limited the amount of runs he allowed to cross, holding his total season FIP under 3. Despite having to deal with the rigors of jumping a level late in the season from A to A+, Donatello's control as well as his whiff rate stuck with him. On the year, he struck out 64 and walked just 10 (6.4 K/BB). Keeping the ball down, he allowed less than one home run per nine innings (0.8). In other words, at 23, despite allowing a bit too much contact, Donatello was everything you can hope for in young closer material. Fast forward to this year. After making another jump, this time to AA Jacksonville, it seems as though Donatello has figured out how to miss bats at a much higher rate. Through his first 15 innings, he has converted 9/10 save opportunities, best in the Southern League, while holding down a 1.02 WHIP. The most encouraging stat Donatello is holding on to is his H/9 which is sitting at 7.39, the best he has ever posted in his major league career. Using a solid four pitch repertoire including a fastball topping out in the mid 90s (up a few MPH from the low-90s stuff he was tossing in college), a hard running 85 mile per hour slider, an effective changeup which sits at 82, and mixing in a slurvy 78 mile per hour curveballl, Donatello's stuff is very well rounded and only getting better. In Donatello and Wittgren, the Marlins have two former teammates who may find themselves battling it out for the closing job come 2016. Luis Castillo A 2015 Stats: 16.1 IP, 7 ER, 1 HR, 2.20 BB/9, 9.92 K/9 No, not that Luis Castillo. But this guy's future may be as bright as that guy's was when he was 22. A Dominican import, the sizeable 6'2", 170 pound Castillo came to the Marlins this offseason from the Giants in return for Casey McGehee. Pitching in the same league he is pitching in this season, the Sally League, Castillo tossed 58.2 innings for the Giants' single A affiliate, converted 10 of 12 save ops, and posted a 2.64 K/BB. The stats have started out in similar fashion this season with the Grasshoppers. In 16.1 IP, he has struck out 18 to just 4 walks and converted three save opportunities. But, understandably so for his age and current career placement, Castillo is a work in progress. Right now, even though both of them are very good pitches (a high 90s fastball and a good mix of speeds changeup), Castillo needs to work on staying more closed when delivering and trying not to overthrow. It would also be nice to see him develop a third pitch. The good news is there is plenty of time for Castillo, just 22, to work on all three of those things. Right now, he is a very interesting looking prospect who, with proper development, could possibly turn in to a type-A relief pitching prospect. Considering what the Marlins gave up for him, there's reason to be excited here.

On Monday night, Zephyrs' starter Pat Misch attracted national media attention when he set a Pacific Coast League record by hitting five batters, including four straight in the first inning. After the game, we wouldn't be surprised if Misch received attention such as this at a local Oklahoma City pub. Guardians Fan: Hey, Vaughn. Can I have your autograph? [Hands Vaughn a match box with a pen] Rick Vaughn: Sure. [while signing the match box] Rick Vaughn: My first autograph. I couldn't give these away a few weeks ago. Guardians Fan: I heard your news on the radio. You made their hall of shame. However, despite the infamous sequence that took place at Chicksaw Bricktown Ballpark, Misch will not be sporting thick framed glasses in his next start. Because unlike Ricky Vaughn, Misch has actually been seeing and hitting the strike zone just fine this season. If hearing Misch's name come up in the media again sounds like deja vu, there's a reason why. Misch was the starting pitcher for the Giants on August 4, 2007 in the game in which Barry Bonds hit his 755th home run and tied Hank Aaron for most on the all time list. In 2009, he once again made headlines as just the second starting pitcher in MLB history to begin his career by appearing in 12 games all of which his team lost. It was undoubtedly a slow start to his career as a starter for Misch but prior to that, he settled in nicely. Over his next ten starts from 2009 to 2010, he had seven 5+ inning starts in which he gave up four runs or less, including a complete game shutout. This season has been much more of the same for Misch. After signing a minor league contract with the Marlins in the offseason in order to attempt a comeback, the 33-year-old, despite garnering the inauspicious media attention, has been one of the Zephyrs' best arms. Over his four starts, he has posted a 2.95 ERA with a 1.22 WHIP. Five of the seven earned runs Misch gave up came in one of his starts. Without the off-night start against Oklahoma City (in which he still rebounded to last six frames after the bad first inning), his ERA would sit at 1.05. All of this isn't to say that Misch is priming himself to be ace material or even 1-3 starter material. He never has been and he never will be. What he is is a finesse lefty trying to restart his career with the Marlins who still holds on to a four pitch repertoire including good out-pitch changeup. While his days of hoping to wind up in anyone's rotation are pretty much well and gone, for a team whose bullpen houses 25-year-old long reliever Brad Hand (16 IP, 3.94 ERA and out of options) and a collective ERA of 4.16 including a 4.09 ERA vs lefties, Misch could provide value for the Marlins as either a mop-up guy or a LOOGY, especially if the Fish decide to deal Hand, a very distinct possibility especially if the Fish still find themselves in contention at the break. In other words, while Misch may have failed to miss hitting opposing batters a few nights ago, he hasn't missed the boat making its back to the majors just yet.

4/27/2105 vs Nashville Suspended (rain) Completion on 6/8 4/28/2015 vs Nashville L 1-2 Miguel Rojas, SS: 1-3, HR (2), RBI, R Cole Gillespie, 3B/Brady Shoemaker, 1B: 1-3, SB (2/1), BB Jordany Valdespin, LF: 2-4 Pat Misch, SP: 4.1 IP, 6 H, 2 ER, BB, K Bullpen: 4.2 IP, 2 H, 6 K 4/30/2015 vs Memphis L 3-4 Vinny Rottino, C: 1-4, HR (1), 2 RBI, R Isaac Galloway, CF: 1-4, RBI Bullpen: 3 IP, BB, 2 K 5/1/2015 vs Memphis W 4-0 Jordany Valdespin, LF: 2-3, RBI, BB Isaac Galloway, CF: 1-4, 3B, RBI, 2 K Justin Nicolino, SP: 6 IP, 4 H, 4 BB, 5 K 5/2/2015 vs Memphis W 5-2 Vinny Rottino, C: 2-4, 2B, 2 RBI, R, BB, K Brady Shoemaker, 1B: 3-4, RBI Miguel Rojas, SS: 3-4, RBI, R Jose Urena, SP: 6 IP, 4 H, ER, 3 BB, 2 K 5/3/2015 vs Memphis W 4-3 Derek Dietrich, 2B: 1-3, 2 RBI, 2 K Brandon Bantz, C: 1-4, 2B, RBI, R, K Cole Gillespie, RF: 2-4, R, K Adam Conley, SP: 6 IP, 7 H, 2 ER, 3 BB, 2 K 4/27/2015 vs Birmingham L 2-3 Viosergy Rosa, 1B: 1-4, HR (1), 2 RBI, R, K Zack Cox, 3B: 2-3, 2B, K Trevor Williams, SP: 6 IP, 8 H, 3 ER, 2 BB, 3 K Blake Logan, RP: 3 IP, H, 2 BB, 2 K 4/28/2015 vs Birmingham W 6-5 Matt Juengel, LF: 2-4, HR (4), SB (2), 2 RBI, 3 R David Adams, 2B: 2-3, RBI, BB Ryan Rieger, DH: 1-2, 2B, 2 RBI, K 4/29/2015 vs Birmingham L 1-2 Sharif Othman, C: 2-4, RBI, 2 K Kendry Flores, SP: 7.1 IP, 3 H, 2 ER, 2 BB, 8 K 4/30/2015 @ Chattanooga W 6-4 Zack Cox, 3B: 3-4, 2B, RBI, 2 R Austin Nola, 2B: 1-1, 2B, 2 RBI, 2 BB Sharif Othman, C: 2-3, RBI, BB Austin Brice, SP: 4 IP, ER, 2 BB, 6 K 5/1/2015 @ Chattanooga L 3-7 Sharif Othman, C: 1-3, 2B, RBI, R Matt Juengel, LF: 1-4, 2B Bullpen: 3 IP, 4 H, 2 R (1 ER), 5 K 5/2/2015 @ Chattanooga L 3-6 Sharif Othman, C: 2-4, HR (1), 2 RBI, R, 2 K David Adams, 2B: 3-4, K Matt Juengel, LF: 1-3, 2B, BB 5/3/2015 @ Chattanooga L 13-14 Kenny Wilson, CF: 3-6, HR (1), 3B, RBI, 3 R, K David Adams, DH: 3-4, 4 RBI, K Carlos Lopez, RF: 2-5, 3B, 2 RBI Matt Juengel, LF: 3-6, RBI, 2 R 4/27/2015 vs Port St. Lucie L 1-7 Austin Dean, RF: 1-4, 2B, RBI Felix Munoz, 1B: 1-4 Miguel Del Pozo, RP: 3.1 IP, 3 K 4/28/2015 vs Port St. Lucie W 4-1 J.T. Riddle, SS: 2-4, 2B Cameron Flynn, RF: 1-3, 2B, 2 R, K Scott Lyman, SP: 7 IP, 3 H, ER, 3 BB, 8 K 4/30/2015 @ Palm Beach L 2-7 J.T. Riddle, SS: 2-4, R, 2 K Chris Hoo, C: 1-3, BB, K CJ Robinson, RP: 3 IP, H, BB, 3 K 5/1/2015 @ Palm Beach W 4-2 Chris Hoo, C: 2-2, 2 RBI, R, 2 BB Avery Romero, 2B: 2-4, RBI, R Felix Munoz, 1B: 2-4, R Ryan Newell, SP: 6 IP, 6 H, 2 R (1 ER), BB, 8 K Bullpen: 3 IP, H, BB, 4 K 5/2/2015 vs Palm Beach L 1-4 Avery Romero, 2B: 1-3, RBI, BB, K Blake Anderson, 3B: 1-3, R, BB, K Bullpen: 5 IP, 6 H, ER, 6 K 5/3/2015 vs Palm Beach W 1-0 Austin Dean, RF: 2-3, SB (3), BB Christian Yelich, LF (rehab): 0-2, K Sean Townsley, SP: 6 IP, 2 H, 4 BB, 6 K 4/28/2015 vs Hickory W 3-1 Austen Smith, 1B: 1-4, HR (6), 2 RBI, R Arturo Rodriguez, C: 1-2. R. 2 BB Brian Schales, 3B: 2-3, 2B, RBI, BB, K Tyler Kolek, SP: 5 IP, 6 H, BB, 4 K 4/29/2015 vs Hickory L 5-7 Arturo Rodriguez, 1B: 3-3, 2 HR (2, 3), 2B, 3 RBI, 2 R Justin Twine, SS: 2-4, 2B, 3B, 2 R Rodrigo Vigil, C: 3-4, 2B, RBI Kyle Fischer, RP: 3 IP, 2 H, 2 K 4/30/2015 vs Hickory L/12 3-5 K.J. Woods, DH: 3-4, RBI, BB, K Brian Schales, 3B: 1-5, 2B, RBI, 3 K Ben Holmes, SP: 5 IP, 3 H, 3 R (2 ER), 2 BB, 4 K Drew Steckenrider, RP: 4.2 IP, 4 H, BB, K 5/1/2015 vs West Virginia W 3-2 K.J. Woods, 1B: 3-4, 2B, RBI, K Justin Twine, SS: 2-4, RBI, R, K Austen Smith, DH: 1-3, RBI, K Michael Mader, SP: 5 IP, 5 H, 3 BB, 5 K 5/2/2015 vs West Virginia W 4-1 John Norwood, CF: 2-3, HR (2), 2B, 2 RBI, R, K Rodrigo Vigil, C: 1-3, 2B, 2 RBI, R, BB Justin Twine, SS: 2-4, 2B Arturo Rodriguez, 3B: 2-4, R, K Jose Adames, SP: 5 IP, 4 H, BB, 6 K 5/3/2015 vs West Virginia L 2-4 John Norwood, LF: 2-4, 2B, RBI, R K.J. Woods, 1B: 1-3, BB, K Sam Alvis, RP: 3 IP, 2 BB, 2 K