Miami Marlins: 3 Storylines to follow at Spring Training

PHILADELPHIA, PA – JUNE 23: Jordan Yamamoto #50 of the Miami Marlins in action against the Philadelphia Phillies during a baseball game at Citizens Bank Park on June 23, 2019, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Marlins defeated the Phillies 6-4. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images)

The Fourth and Fifth Starter

We know the Marlins will send out Sandy Alcantara, Caleb Smith, and Pablo Lopez as the first three starters in the rotation. After that, there are plenty of youngsters for the coaching staff to choose from. It makes for one of the more interesting battles this spring.

Jordan Yamamoto started out hot, winning his first four games in the Majors last season. He then came back to earth a bit and lost some of its consistency. He was also injured towards the end of last season. I figure he will be the fourth starter for the Marlins.

Robert Dugger, Elieser Hernandez, and a host of other arms have a chance to become the fifth man on the mound. Nick Neidert, Sixto Sanchez, and Edward Cabrera are all believed to be major league ready but it’s only time preventing them from making the 26-man roster. Neidert figures to be the first arm called up from the minors.

Another development to watch is what the team does with Jose Urena, who could be an arm out of the bullpen or provide veteran leadership as the fifth starter. Urena could also be DFA’d if the Miami Marlins do not seek a trade for him.

The one thing the Marlins continue to have is plenty of options. Mattingly must choose the right ones for this team to move forward.

The Fourth and Fifth Starter

Schedule