Miami Marlins Camp News: Jacob Turner is Gone. Six other Tuesday AM Moves

Mar 19, 2013; Jupiter, FL, USA; Miami Marlins starting pitcher

(33) throws during a spring training game against the St. Louis Cardinals at Roger Dean Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

Jacob Turner got the locker tag today, the Marlins announced.  A lack of command and struggles keeping his pitches down in the zone means that the 21-year-old will start his season in AAA New Orleans.

All indicators at the start of camp pointed to Turner being a fixture in the rotation this season. But without the big-league level consistency that is necessary to be able to be effective for five and six innings, the Marlins didn’t have much choice.  Kevin Slowey is likely to step into his slot in the rotation while he works out the kinks in the minors.

Left-hander Dan Jennings was also optioned to the Zephyrs this morning. Giving up six earned runs in eight innings of work was too much to stay in camp.

The remaining roster moves were all reassigned to minor league camp.  Third baseman Kevin Kouzmanoff was in the running to be a utility guy, but with Polanco looking like he’ll bee hitting in the cleanup spot behind Stanton, Kooz’ window is apparently closed.  Nick Green was another potential utility infielder, but a .250/.318/.300 slash line wasn’t enough to seal the deal. Long shots Matt Downs  and Jordan Brown were also sent to the Minors this morning, also after a disappointing spring at the plate.

The only pitcher sent to minor league camp this morning was lefty Zach Phillips, who pitched 6 1/3 innings this spring, giving up nine hits and three earned runs.

There are 32 players left in camp as of this morning’s moves.  Look for some more late arrivals this week.