Miami Marlins Spring Training: What Will the Bullpen Look Like?

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MIAMI, FL – SEPTEMBER 18: Tyler Kinley #39 of the Miami Marlins throws a pitch in the sixth inning against the Washington Nationals at Marlins Park on September 18, 2018 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images) /

Tyler Kinley

Tyler Kinley was lost to the Miami Marlins via rule 5 to the Minnesota Twins prior to the 2018 season, but was returned after four sub-par appearances. After rejoining the Miami Marlins, he pitched very effectively at triple-A with the Baby Cakes. In 40 innings, he collected 56 strikeouts and held the opposition to a 2.93 ERA.

Kinley rejoined the majors with the Miami Marlins when the roster expanded in early September, and in a small sample struck out nine in 7 2/3 innings. He also gave up six runs, but on only six hits.

ARLINGTON, TX – SEPTEMBER 13: R.J. Alvarez #37 of the Oakland Athletics throws in the eighth inning against the Texas Rangers at Global Life Park in Arlington on September 13, 2015 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Rick Yeatts/Getty Images) /

R.J. Alvarez

R.J. Alvarez has enjoyed two cups of coffee at the major league level, but no hot beverages since 2015. He’s spent most of the last four years at the triple-A level, between the Athletics and the Texas Rangers systems. As the closer for the Round Rock Express last year, he saved 24 contests, with 44 strikeouts in as many innings.

LOS ANGELES, CA – JUNE 25: Pitcher Mike Kickham #59 of the San Francisco Giants pitches in the first inning during the MLB game against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium on June 25, 2013 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Victor Decolongon/Getty Images) /

Mike Kickham

Mike Kickham is another guy who’s been gone from the majors for a long time. He played in 14 games for the San Francisco Giants in 2012 and 2013, but has bounced around a bit since then.

For the last two years, Kickham played in the Marlins minor league system. For the Baby Cakes last year, he held the opposition to a 1.14 WHIP in 37 2/3 innings, with 33 K’s and a 3.64 ERA.

MIAMI, FL – JULY 15: Ben Meyer #51 of the Miami Marlins throws a pitch during the ninth inning against the Philadelphia Phillies at Marlins Park on July 15, 2018 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Eric Espada/Getty Images) /

Ben Meyer

Ben Meyer had a rough introduction to major league hitting in his debut late last season. Opponents tagged him for 23 runs in 19 innings for a 10.42 ERA and a 2.11 WHIP.

Meyer’s minor league totals paint a better picture. He’s struck out just over a batter per inning through his first four professional seasons, and racked up a 3.05 ERA and a 1.13 WHIP.

GLENDALE, AZ – FEBRUARY 22: Brian Moran #76 of the Los Angeles Dodgers poses during MLB Photo Day at Camelback Ranch- Glendale on February 22, 2018 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Jamie Schwaberow/Getty Images) /

Brian Moran

Brian Moran joins the Miami Marlins as the ninth-oldest player in the system, at 30. He’s pitched in 301 games in a 10-season minor league career, with a 3.15 ERA, a 1.21 WHIP, and 472 whiffs in 401 innings.

TORONTO, CANADA – MAY 25: Hector Noesi #48 of the Chicago White Sox delivers a pitch in the fourth inning during MLB game action against the Toronto Blue Jays on May 25, 2015 at Rogers Centre in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images) /

Hector Noesi

Hector Noesi has started in 53 of his 107 career major league appearances, going 12-31 with a 5.30 ERA and a 1.46 WHIP. Since 2015, he’s spent his seasons in the KBO, with the Kia Tigers. He’s turned in a serious workload for them, pitching 582 1/3 innings over the last three years, and pitching to a 3.79 ERA over 90 starts. A 46-20 record were the fruits of his labor. He hopes to bring some of that success to the Miami Marlins in 2019.

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