Ed Lucas No Longer On The Marlins

Sep 19, 2014; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Marlins pinch hitter Ed Lucas (59) connects for a base hit during the fifth inning against the Washington Nationals at Marlins Ballpark. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

In a somewhat surprising move, the Texas Rangers have reportedly claimed Ed Lucas off of waivers from the Miami Marlins. The announcement came via John Blake’s Twitter feed, the EVP of communications for the Texas Rangers.

Lucas was one of the plethora of utility players that the Marlins employed last year, a list that includes Donovan Solano, Jeff Baker, Jordany Valdespin, and Enrique Hernandez (Kiki), among others. Unfortunately for Lucas (depending on how you look at it), he is on the wrong side of 30, and the Marlins did not see fit to prevent him from being sent through the waiver system.

Lucas was a late bloomer, and made his mark with the Marlins in 2013 after 10 seasons in the minor leagues with the Royals, Braves, and Angels, prior to Miami. In two seasons with the Marlins he played in 163 games slashing .255/.302/.323. He hit 5 home runs with the Fish to go along with 62 runs scored and 37 RBI’s

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Many will remember Lucas’s horrible luck, as he finally earned a spot on the 2013 Marlins roster for opening day, only to be hit by a pitch in the final week of spring training to prevent him from being out on the field for opening day. Many fans recognized him on Twitter anyway and he was certainly out there in 2014.

Lucas provided the Marlins with position flexibility, playing every position on the field in 2014 with the exception of center field, pitcher, and catcher, although it was known around the team that if the Marlins needed an emergency catcher, he would be likely to be called on.

Texas will be getting an aging, but capable utility player. He won’t provide much in terms of hitting, but with that lineup he likely won’t have to. His contributions are measured on the field, with his above average defense at numerous positions. I am disappointed to see him go, but the Marlins still have plenty of players that are younger that will fill the shoes that Lucas leaves behind.