Miami Marlins: Bold predictions for pitchers in 2020

PHOENIX, ARIZONA - SEPTEMBER 17: Caleb Smith #31 of the Miami Marlins delivers a pitch in the first inning of the MLB game against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field on September 17, 2019 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Jennifer Stewart/Getty Images)
PHOENIX, ARIZONA - SEPTEMBER 17: Caleb Smith #31 of the Miami Marlins delivers a pitch in the first inning of the MLB game against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field on September 17, 2019 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Jennifer Stewart/Getty Images)
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Miami Marlins
ST LOUIS, MO – JUNE 19: Adam Conley #61 of the Miami Marlins delivers a pitch against the St. Louis Cardinals in the eleventh inning at Busch Stadium on June 19, 2019, in St Louis, Missouri. (Photo by Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images)

The Rebirth of Adam Conley

Which Adam Conley will the Marlins get this season? The one who looked like he could one of the best set-up men in baseball two seasons ago or the one who struggled in his worst season as a Marlins pitcher in 2019?

I was a bit surprised the team kept Conley on the roster while Jarlin Garcia was DFA’d. But the thinking is Conley may be more effective out of the bullpen. Still, the jury is out to see if the right move was made by the front office.

Conley started his career as a starter and moved to the ‘pen. He is still fighting for a place on the staff, but it is unlikely that a 2-11 season like last year will happen again. Look for Conley to rebound and offer the team a strong effort in short relief and to work as a setup man for the closer this coming season.

It’s still possible Miami will look to trade him toward the MLB Trade deadline if his pitching rebounds and he throws more strikes in 2020.

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