Three things Miami Marlins need to do to contend this year

Promote Dillon Peters 

That’s not a photo of Miami Marlins top five pitching prospect Dillon Peters.

That’s a photo of Justin Nicolino getting ready to turn around and wonder why people don’t like missing his pitches.  He’s been serviceable since his latest recall from AAA New Orleans, but has failed to offer any consistent evidence he can be an MLB starting pitcher.

Peters could. In fact, we’re all but certain to find out at some point this season. Peters was looking like a June call-up until his early season injury. He has shown more than enough at AA Jacksonville to warrant a September cup of coffee when rosters expand.

But the part that would be a bold move is to promote him right now. If he plays for the Marlins in August, they can use him in October. The Fish are not going to find a better way to bolster their starting rotation than that.

What’s left of the the August waiver wire is noticeably bereft of obtainable starting pitchers. Peters hasn’t allowed more than 3 ER in eight consecutive starts, and has allowed more than one earned run just twice in that span.

He’s ready. Maybe you let Vance Worley see if he can continue his puzzling mastery of the Nationals, but then drop Peters into the rotation. This kid doesn’t need to make another start in the minors this year.