Miami Marlins Spring Training: Starting Rotation Update

After nine games this Spring Training, the Miami Marlins have won two and lost seven, including their last five in a row.

Pitchers considered “rotation” possible players make up 13 of the now-70 players in Miami Marlins Spring Training camp. How are they doing since the last rotation update? There’s only room for five, and the Marlins are thus-far giving the Urena-Straily-Alcantara-Richards-Chen rotation a look-see.

Let’s dig into the box scores and take a look over the last seven days. All prospect ratings are according to the MLB Pipeline.

“Locked In” to the Miami Marlins Rotation

José Ureña lasted just 1 2/3 innings in his first look, in the Miami Marlins first win of the spring last Monday. During that time, he allowed as many baserunners as he retired, surrendering three hits and two walks while striking out one. Despite the proliferation of runners on the bags, Ureña managed to keep the Tampa Bay Rays off the board as the Marlins cruised to a 5-2 victory.

Ureña’s second start, in Saturday’s 4-3 loss to the St. Louis Cardinals, would see him fail to reach his scheduled three innings. He struck out three in 2 1/3 innings, and allowed two runs on four hits. Ureña didn’t issue any walks. So far this spring, Ureña has struck out four over four innings, but his WHIP is at an unsustainable 2.250. Look for him to bring that down.

Dan Straily‘s first look of the spring came on Tuesday, in the Miami Marlins 3-0 shutout victory against the Houston Astros. Straily was perfect over two innings, facing the minimum and striking out three batters before giving way to Sergio Romo.

On Sunday, Straily made his second start, and wasn’t as impressive. In 2 1/3 innings, he surrendered three runs on four hits, including a pair of homers. He didn’t issue any walks, and struck out two.

Straily’s two starts are par for the course. He’s usually either really good or….not so good.

In the Mix

Sandy Alcántara made his second start of the spring in the Miami Marlins eventual 7-5 loss to the Astros on Thursday. He wasn’t nearly as sharp as in his debut, allowing five baserunners in his two innings of work, on three walks and two hits. Houston totaled two runs off him, although he did get three Astros to whiff. Alcántara remains the Marlins number four prospect in the system.

Jeff Brigham, Miami’s 23rd ranked prospect, pitched the fifth and sixth innings against the Rays on Monday. He held the Marlins in-state rivals to a hit and a walk, but no runs. Brigham also struck out one batter.

On Saturday, Brigham came in to pitch the seventh inning against the Cardinals. He pitched a scoreless frame, allowing a single.

Wei-Yin Chen made his first appearance of the spring on Wednesday, as the Miami Marlins dropped a 14-6 decision to the New York Mets. Chen only pitched for 1 1/3 innings, but gave up five runs in total during that time for a 33.75 ERA. He allowed five hits and a walk, while striking out two.

Pablo López made his spring debut against the Mets, pitching the third and the fourth innings. He struck out three, and allowed one run on one hit and one walk.

Trevor Richards‘ second start was deceptively good. He allowed two first inning walks, but held the Nationals off the board. That is, until the second inning, when he surrendered a solo shot to Yan Gomes. After that, he settled down and eventually finished with three strikeouts in three innings.

Caleb Smith has yet to pitch this spring, but is likely to get some action in before the close of camp. He is the wild card of the Miami Marlins rotation.

Jordan Yamamoto took the hill for the sixth and the seventh innings of the Marlins loss to the Mets on Wednesday. During his two innings of work, the Marlins only trailed 7-6, and Yamamoto did his part to keep it close. He allowed only a walk and struck out two, facing just the one over the minimum. Yamamoto is currently the Marlins number 18 prospect.

Long Shots

Jordan Holloway got into his first game action on Thursday against the Astros. Coming in to pitch the fifth and sixth innings, he didn’t make it through his scheduled workload. He ended up allowing four runs on a walk and four hits, including a two-run shot off the bat of Abraham Toro. He also hit a batter and didn’t strike anyone out.

Number seven Marlins prospect Jorge Guzman has yet to appear in a spring training game for Miami.

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Robert Dugger pitched the eighth inning for the Miami Marlins in their loss to the Astros. He faced four batters, and got three of them out. Dugger finished with a walk and a pair of strikeouts. He’s currently the Marlins number 26 organizational prospect.

Number 21 organizational prospect Zac Gallen tossed the seventh inning of the Marlins win against the Rays on Monday. He struck out a pair and surrendered a single. On Saturday, Gallen pitched the eighth inning against the Cardinals, and finished with a blown save and the loss. Entering with a 3-2 Marlins lead, he struck out Max Schrock and Drew Robinson, then hit Yairo Munoz on the wrist with a pitch. Randy Arozarena followed with a single, and Jeremy Martinez doubled them both home on a wacky play into right field.

Nick Neidert, Miami’s number five prospect, has yet to pitch this spring.

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