Miami Marlins Spring Training: Richards, Alcántara, and Neidert Take Hill

Last Monday, we outlined the probable Opening Day rotation, those who were in the mix, and those who were on the outside looking in.

Each Monday through Spring Training, we’re going to revisit the Miami Marlins rotation with updated figures. Only two days into it, so there probably aren’t any huge changes in plans as far as the organization is concerned. Here’s the original story.

The Miami Marlins have a lot of pitchers to look at. There are currently 14 pitchers on the roster that are considered starters, and seven of them are amongst the Marlins Top 30 Pipeline prospects. Obviously, they can’t all start a game this spring, so some will come out of the pen, as Marlins number five prospect Nick Neidert did on Saturday.

Locked In to Miami Marlins Rotation

José Ureña

José Ureña will get his first game-action on Monday afternoon, against the Tampa Bay Rays at Charlotte Sports Park starting at 1:05 P.M. EST.

Dan Straily

Dan Straily is lined up to make his first appearance on Tuesday, against the Houston Astros at Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium also at 1:05 P.M. EST.

In the Mix

MIAMI, FL – SEPTEMBER 5: Sandy Alcantara #22 of the Miami Marlins throws a pitch during the first inning against the Philadelphia Phillies at Marlins Park on September 5, 2018 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Eric Espada/Getty Images)

Sandy Alcántara

Sandy Alcántara started in the first game, on Saturday in the 11-1 loss to the St. Louis Cardinals. He wasn’t bad, getting through two innings while allowing two baserunners, on one walk and one hit He also struck out three in the short outing. His long-term outlook is still bright. The number four Marlins prospect is likely part of the Opening Day rotation.

Cardinals vs Marlins pic.twitter.com/SJVovATsxJ
— Doug McPherson (@LDMcPherson) February 23, 2019

Jeff Brigham

Jeff Brigham, Miami’s 23rd overall prospect, lost each of his four starts last season in his first look at the major league level with the Miami Marlins. He’s likely more-than-ready to get that taste out of his mouth, but has yet to appear.

Wei-Yin Chen

Wei-Yin Chen commands the biggest payday on the Miami Marlins, clocking in with a $20 million salary that’s only going to go up in 2020. He’s completely untradeable, which leads me to believe the Marlins will do anything they can to ensure some return on the investment. After going 6-12 last season, with a 4.79 ERA and a 76 ERA+, look for the Marlins to try to continue to get starts out of him.

Pablo López

An up-and-comer in the rotation, Pablo López actually ranked third on the Miami Marlins with a 0.5 WAR in 2018, despite having started in only 10 games.

Trevor Richards

Trevor Richards started in Sunday’s game, the Miami Marlins 10-6 loss to the Pittsburgh Pirates. Like Alcántara, he also lasted two innings, but the opposition touched him for two runs on three hits. He struck a batter out, and kept the ball on the ground (aside from the solo shot by Jung Ho Kang), getting four groundouts versus zero flyouts.

It wasn’t great for Richards, but again, it’s only the first outing of the spring. He’s still likely in the rotation based on his having led the Miami Marlins last season with 130 strikeouts.

Caleb Smith

Caleb Smith hasn’t appeared in a game since going on the injured list with left shoulder problems last June. He’s no longer on the IL, but hasn’t yet appeared on any “probable starters” pages.

Jordan Yamamoto

Jordan Yamamoto was the mostly forgotten piece the Miami Marlins got from the Milwaukee Brewers in the Christian Yelich deal. He may not be so easy to forget after getting some work in with the big boys. Between three minor league levels for the Marlins last season, he was 6-1 with a 1.83 ERA in 68 2/3 innings, along with 85 K’s and a 0.830 WHIP. The right-hander is the Marlins number 18 rated prospect.

Long Shots

Jordan Holloway

Due to injury, Jordan Holloway has only started 51 times in his first five professional seasons. The Miami Marlins saw fit to protect him with a coveted 40-man spot, so apparently they’re liking what he has to offer.

Jorge Guzman

Jorge Guzman remains the number seven prospect in the Miami Marlins system. His 80-grade fastball is hard to ignore. Although they’re still grooming him as a starter, it’s rumored that at some point he may come out of the pen when he gets to the majors.

Robert Dugger

Miami’s 26th rated prospect racked up a 10-7 record last season between high-A and double-A, with a 3.40 ERA. Look for Robert Dugger soon, but probably not on the Opening Day roster.

Zac Gallen

Zac Gallen, who is ranked 21st overall, touches 94 on the gun. Look for him in the next three days to get into a game, either starting or off the bench.

"Gallen is all about command and control, with three pitches that routinely play above their modest grades. – MLB Pipeline"

Nick Neidert

Neidert came in to pitch the sixth inning of the Marlins game on Sunday. Like Richards, he gave up two runs on two hits, including a two-run homer by Ke’Bryan Hayes. Unlike Richards, the damage was in one inning, versus two. Neidert also struck out a batter and both of his other outs recorded were in the air.

Thanks for reading. Check back for an outfield update tomorrow morning. Like us on Facebook, subscribe to our daily news dispatch, and follow us on Twitter.