Another One Bites the Dust

History was made last night, not just for the Miami Marlins, but baseball as a whole. That history did not result in a win, however, and it also resulted in a Marlin leaving the game early.

The Miami Marlins dropped the final game of their home stand to the Rays last night 3-1. That was not the main story from the game though.

Edinson Volquez, who is still searching for his first win as a Marlin, set a record. A record that, not many would consider to be a positive thing.

In just four and two-thirds innings pitched, Volquez walked eight and struck out nine. By doing this, Volquez became the first pitcher in the modern era to do so. It did not matter however, the Fish lost, and Volquez left early.

After throwing 91 pitches in his very limited outing, Volquez was pulled from the game due to a blister on the thumb of his throwing hand.

Volquez tried to fight through the blister, but the consistency just was not there. According to Clark Spencer of the Miami Herald, there is a chance that Volquez may have to miss a start due to the blister.

Having never missed a start due to a blister before, Volquez obviously wants to be out there. However, manager Don Mattingly hinted towards the opposite in an article by Craig Davis of the Sun Sentinel.

Who will start instead?

The Marlins have a few options of long relievers that may be able to come in and amass four or more innings. Jose Urena has been utilized left and right for long relief appearances in the absence of starter performance.

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Another interesting option may be to utilize David Phelps as a starter. Phelps has started games for the Fish before and is currently struggling as a reliever. While as of late the performance of Phelps has improved, testing him as a rotation man, may be just the work he needs to return to form.

There is also lefty phenom, Jarlin Garcia. Garcia had previously spent time in the minors as a starter prior to 2017. At the beginning of this season, started his conversion to the pen this season.

Regardless of whether Volquez misses a start or not, one thing is guaranteed. The Fish will continue to use and abuse their bullpen due to their starter’s inability to pitch beyond the fifth inning.

Next: Long Relievers Saving the Day

Beginning the second half of the Citrus Series, the Fish will begin relying on the emergence of Dan Straily to be their “ace” until Volquez can prove otherwise.