Miami Marlins 2021 Season Review: RHP Zach Thompson

When looking at the 2021 Miami Marlins season, there were a few players in-particular that were tasked to play important roles for the club when a few notable players landed on the injured list.

One of the those players who played a pivotal role in the starting rotation, as well as in the bullpen later in the year was 27-year-old right-hander Zach Thompson who turned in a strong rookie season during the 2021 campaign.

Miami Marlins 2021 Season Review: RHP Zach Thompson

Signed by the Marlins as a free agent back in November of 2020, Thompson came to Miami after pitching in the minor leagues of the White Sox system from 2014-2019 as both a starter and reliever.

Beginning the 2021 campaign with Triple-A Jacksonville, Thompson made eight appearances out of the Jumbo Shrimp bullpen where he posted a 6.60 ERA with two walks and 21 strikeouts. As mentioned previously however, the Marlins struggled with injuries within their starting rotation, which in-turn led to Thompson receiving his first big league call-up in early-June.

Making his first career major league start on June 7, the right-hander quickly burst on the scene posting a combined 1.50 ERA across his first four big league outings during the month of June.

That success would continue over the next two months as Thompson would make a total of 13 starts for the Marlins from June 7 to August 27. Across those 13 outings, Thompson would post a combined 3.16 ERA across 62.2 innings with 22 walks and 52 strikeouts.

The right-hander would eventually transition to the Miami bullpen during the month of September, primarily pitching in a middle-relief role. Thompson would begin his time in the Marlins bullpen by firing six-consecutive scoreless appearances, but would have a few rough showings to finish the month posting a 3.65 ERA across 12.1 innings pitched.

For the 2021 season overall, Thompson would make 26 appearances (14 starts) with the Marlins at the big league level where he posted a 3-7 record with a 3.24 ERA across 75 innings pitched, the fourth-most of any Marlins pitcher in 2021. Thompson also struck-out a total of 66 batters compared to 28 walks, as well as a .227/.301/.374 slash line against.

An impressive rookie season for the 27-year-old, Thompson is a potential candidate to fill a similar role in the Marlins bullpen next season, similar to his role during the month of September.