Miami Marlins make some key roster moves

The Miami Marlins are trying hard to make the playoffs. The team received a major boost with a Roberto Clemente award nominated slugger on his way back. The Fish also can't seem to stop making changes to the bullpen. It's time to take a look at the changes, and see how The Fish look going forward...

The Miami Marlins keep making roster moves while fighting to make the playoffs.

The Miami Marlins swept the Atlanta Braves at home this weekend. There couldn't be a more important result than this right now. It certainly helped to have Designated Hitter Jorge Soler back on the team for the final game. The Roberto Clemente award nominee, has batted .243/.332/.520, with 36 home runs and 73 RBI in 127 games and 469 AB so far this season. Having him back for the stretch run is absolutely huge for The Fish.

So who was demoted to make room for Soler? OF Dane Myers. Myers has been better than expected this season and saw his stock rise quite a bit. Myers has been batting .269/.286/.358, with a home run and 9 RBI in 22 games and 67 AB. He'll be back next season most likely and seems to have a bright future. There's just no room for him on the roster now.

Also being demoted to the Minor Leagues is left-handed relief pitcher Josh Simpson. He hasn't pitched at all during his call-up, but he wasn't pitching particularly well in the Minor Leagues. He has a 4.40 ERA in the Minors. Yet another bullpen change here as Chi Chi Gonzalez was promoted to replace him. Chi Chi is a righty, who has a 7.36 ERA/5.99 FIP, with 7.4 K/9 and 2.5 BB/9 in 3 games and 3.2 innings pitched.

I don't see how Chi Chi Gonzalez is an improvement over Josh Simpson, unless the idea is that he at least has Major League experience. Having Jorge Soler back is great of course and is a major upgrade over Dane Myers, especially at this important time during the season. Let's hope that the Miami Marlins finally settle on a working bullpen mix.