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Marlins: Three bold predictions for Spring Training

By David Levin

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 23: Jorge Alfaro #38 of the Miami Marlins runs out his second inning home run against the New York Mets at Citi Field on September 23, 2019 in New York City. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 23: Jorge Alfaro #38 of the Miami Marlins runs out his second inning home run against the New York Mets at Citi Field on September 23, 2019 in New York City. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) /
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SAN FRANCISCO, CA – SEPTEMBER 14: Jose Urena #62 of the Miami Marlins pitches against the San Francisco Giants during the ninth inning at Oracle Park on September 14, 2019, in San Francisco, California. The Miami Marlins defeated the San Francisco Giants 4-2. (Photo by Jason O. Watson/Getty Images)
SAN FRANCISCO, CA – SEPTEMBER 14: Jose Urena #62 of the Miami Marlins pitches against the San Francisco Giants during the ninth inning at Oracle Park on September 14, 2019, in San Francisco, California. The Miami Marlins defeated the San Francisco Giants 4-2. (Photo by Jason O. Watson/Getty Images) /

Jose Urena Wins Fifth Spot in the Rotation

The Marlins have plenty of high hopes for their young pitchers on the current roster and in the minors. Some appear to be knocking on the door of the Major Leagues (Nick Neidert, Sixto Sanchez), while others still may need time to develop (Braxton Garrett, Trevor Rogers).

There will be plenty of competition in camp to fill the void of the fifth spot in the rotation with at least two players from last seasons rotation – Elieser Hernandez and Robert Dugger – in the running. But what if none of the potential arms make an immediate impression on the coaching staff? That’s how veteran Jose Urena makes his way back to being a starter.

The Opening Day arm the previous two seasons here in Miami, Urena had fallen on hard times, posting a 9-12 record in 2018 and following it up with an injury-filled season where he spent time on the I.L. with a herniated disc. Urena was 4-10 and failed at the chance to secure the team’s closer role.

Urena’s flexibility makes him an instant trade candidate, but he also could start if the young arms in the rotation need stability. I’m not sure how stable a move this is, but seeing Urena in the Marlins rotation is something fans must understand could still happen at some point this season.

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