Barraclough Remains The Marlins Closer – For Now

By David Levin | Aug 4, 2018

MIAMI, FL - JUNE 30: Kyle Barraclough #46 of the Miami Marlins delivers a pitch in the ninth inning against the New York Mets at Marlins Park on June 30, 2018 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /

Despite blowing a third straight save on Thursday night, the Miami Marlins will stick with Kyle Barraclough as the team’s starter.

After being named the National League Reliever of the Month for June, the Miami Marlins closer, Kyle Barraclough has had his issues. He has also been a shell of his former self. Now that Miami has traded Brad Ziegler to the Arizona Diamondbacks, how long will it be before manager Don Mattingly makes a change?

Who is in the on-deck circle should Barraclough falters once again?

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"“After Kyle Barraclough blew his third straight save in Thursday night’s loss to the Phillies, he disappeared,” writes Joe Bloss of MLB.com. “He could not be found in the Marlins’ clubhouse at Citizens Bank Park to speak with reporters. He had burrowed into a nearby video room and rewound the tape to days brighter than those he’s facing now.”"

Barraclough was arguably the best reliever in all of baseball in June, then began a downward tumble that has a young bullpen on edge. Adam Conley and Drew Steckenrider have been part of a trio that figures to be one of the better relief units in the Majors next season.

Currently, he is 0-5 for the season with a 3.28 ERA. The Marlins are 46-65 this season and tied for last place in the National League East.

"“I was more looking back at June,” Barraclough said on Friday, “trying to get those good images in your head and flush out the bad ones.”"

The Marlins could make a move to promote Steckenrider to the ninth-inning role or possibly go with Tayron Guerrero or seek help from September call-ups. It’s a situation manager Don Mattingly has to deal with, given there are only 51 games remaining in the 2018 season.

"“He’s relatively a new closer,” Mattingly said. “He’s pitched high-leverage innings. We know what he can do, and part of him coming into that role is getting out there and going through experiences like last night. Obviously, it’s not one you want to go through, but sometimes you learn the most from your struggle.”"

Mattingly said Barraclough will remain in closer’s role for now but admits he’ll be “top-stepping” it in the dugout until the pitcher can resolve his fastball command issues.
— clarkspencer (@clarkspencer) August 3, 2018

The Marlins have had issues in recent years with the closer’s role. They attempted to sign Kenley Jansen last offseason but were rebuffed. The same was true for Aroldis Chapman.

"Per Joe Frisaro of MLB.com, in a story written in December 2016, “MLB.com has confirmed reports that the Marlins have an offer of five years, in the $80 million range [to Jansen].”"

Barraclough continues to work through the issues, which appear to be related to his fastball and his mechanics. It might be more trouble to try to repair the issue during this season. The 28-year-old may need to approach the problem once the season shuts down.

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