MLB Rumors: Anthony Desclafani to make MLB Debut Wednesday?

Feb 25, 2014; Jupiter, FL, USA; Miami Marlins Anthony Desclafani poses during media day at Roger Dean Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Barr-USA TODAY Sports

The Miami Marlins lost ace Jose Fernandez to an elbow injury on Monday, and the fear around the team is that Fernandez could be headed for Tommy John surgery.

The team recalled reliever Dan Jennings to take Fernandez’s spot on the roster, but the team has yet to decide who they’ll have on the mound for Wednesday’s series finale against the Dodgers. The most logical choice for the Marlins would be current long relievers Brad Hand or Kevin Slowey. However, Hand is currently on the mound for the Marlins due to the struggles of Tom Koehler today and Kevin Slowey may be needed later in the week in a similar role.

For that reason, the Marlins seem to be considering two of their top prospects as well:

"If the team wants to call up one of its top pitching prospects, lefty Andrew Heaney and right-hander Anthony DeSclafani are options. Both are at Double-A Jacksonville."

Of the two, Heaney is not likely an option, as the top prospect in the Marlins organization pitched seven innings on Monday for the Jacksonville Suns. The team would be idiotic to even consider using him just two days later.

So that leaves Desclafani, whom Juan C. Rodriguez of the Sun-Sentinel believes is the most likely choice for the Marlins:

Descalfani, who was once seen as a throw in prospect for the Fish in the blockbuster trade with the Blue Jays, has emerged as one of the top prospects in the Marlins organization. He ranked as the sixth best prospect on the Marlin Maniac preseason top 20 prospect list.

Here’s what I had to say about Desclafani before the season:

"Desclafani was the throw-in prospect for Marlins in the Blue Jays trade, even more of a throw in than catcher Jeff Mathis. DeSclafani, 23, has made major strides in his lone season with the Marlins, pitching to a lot of success in Single-A and Double-A for the Marlins. Anthony induces a ton of groundballs and has strong control. If he can continue to develop his chance, his chances of sticking as a starter long term grow. DeSclfani should begin the season in Double-A, but could make his way to New Orleans in no time."

Desclafani has put up decent numbers in his second go-around in Double-A. While his ERA of 4.29 is nothing to write home about, the rest of his peripherals tell a different story. Anthony has struck out over 8 hitters an inning and walked just over 2. His FIP of 3.17 is much more impressive than his ERA.

In my opinion, the Marlins are better off going with Brian Flynn than Desclafani at this point. Flynn has more minor league experience and is already on the Marlins’ 40-man roster. What do you guys think?