This spring, we’ve seen our share of position battles, pitching struggles, and unforeseen roster moves.
Now, with Spring Training coming to an official close, the Miami Marlins have their final 25-man roster ready to go for Opening Day.
Miami Marlins Rotation
The Miami Marlins were expected to carry all seven of their prospective Opening Day rotation on the active roster, with some of them slated to come out of the bullpen. The surprising 11th hour release of Dan Straily has given us even more clarity. The starting five are as noted above, and Wei-Yin Chen will take his $20 million salary and come out of the bullpen until further notice.
Bullpen
Chen
The finalized bullpen was somewhat up-in-the-air until the final pair of games, with Brice, Kinley, Mike Kickham, R.J. Alvarez, Tommy Eveld, and Brian Moran all getting their work in. Brice and Kinley join those who were all-but-assured of a spot throughout spring. Anderson’s selection was also not a gimme from the get-go, but his solid performance through the preseason allayed any fears that he’s “not ready” for major league action.
Catchers
Alfaro was the pre-ordained starting catcher from the jump, but we didn’t really see very much of him through the spring due to his foul-ball adventure in the opener. Spring Training would see eight prospective backups get their time in live game-action. In the end, Wallach, who had been on the 40-man roster throughout spring, along with Alfaro, won the position. Bryan Holaday was to be optioned, but didn’t want to play in the minors anymore, and secured his release in what can only be described as a classy move by the Miami Marlins.
Infielders
The infield shook out just as most everyone expected it would. The six who finished in camp were the same who started camp with the best possibility of finishing with the parent club. Pedro Alvarez, who had a good spring after a slow start, exercised his option and will retest free agency to find a job with a major league club.
Outfielders
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Austin Dean and Peter O’Brien were the odd men out of the conversation when it was all said and done. Granderson was moved to the 40-man roster a few days ago, and Dean joined the New Orleans Baby Cakes. As for O’Brien, who struck out 19 times in 41 at bats while hitting .220, he was clearly outplayed by Cooper, who hit .395 with seven whiffs in 43 at bats. Dean and O’Brien remain on the Miami Marlins 40-man roster, for a quick recall when (not if) needed.
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