Miami Marlins: Six things to watch for the rest of the season

Jul 28, 2015; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Marlins relief pitcher Carter Capps (22) delivers a pitch during the eighth inning against the Washington Nationals at Marlins Park. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

1. Who takes the closer spot?

In 2015’s early goings, the Marlins’ bullpen was a mess. Steve Cishek was inconsistent, losing his job to A.J. Ramos, and possibly lost Mike Redmond his managerial spot.

Since Cishek’s departure from the closer role, the back end of the bullpen has held up steadily. For a short stretch, Ramos and Capps worked as a deadly 8th-9th inning combo, posting some of the best numbers in baseball.

ICYMI: Comparing Ramos and Capps to the Yankees stellar back end of the ‘pen

Carter Capps eventually hit the DL and A.J. Ramos began to struggle. Ramos posted a 1.11 ERA mark in 40.1 innings throughout the first half, but his second half ERA of 8.68 has shown much less promise for the 28-year-old closer.

Capps is expected to return next week, and could compete for the closer role as well. It will also be interesting to see if Ramos reverts to his explosive 1.11 ERA ways when his late game partner returns.