Will the Miami Marlins use a 6-man rotation?
The Miami Marlins are expecting Sixto Sanchez back this upcoming season. Mel Stottlemyre Jr., the team's very successful pitching coach spoke about The Fish's rotation plans for the 2023 season. He made some interesting statements, so let's take a look at what he said, and how that affects the Miami Marlins for the upcoming season. The plans for the rotation are very surprising.....
The Miami Marlins have interesting plans for the rotation.
It's pretty obvious that Sandy Alcantara remains the ace for the Miami Marlins. He's not going anywhere and really shouldn't. In fact, Bruce Sherman should consider giving him an extension once his current 5 year one runs out. He deserves it. Jesus Luzardo is a lock as well after producing a 3.32 ERA/3.12 FIP in 100.1 innings pitched in 2022. He had injuries in the past, so Stottlemyre's plan may make sense... Trevor Rogers is staying in the rotation as well. He was phenomenal in 2021 with a 2.64 ERA/2.55 FIP in 133.0 innings pitched. He wasn't as good in 2022, but after his back got better...he was back! Rogers is obviously getting another shot in 2023.
Edward Cabrera broke out in 2022 with a 3.01 ERA in 71.2 innings pitched. He's obviously a lock for the rotation too. Cabrera is however going to get a bit of an innings limit in my opinion, and won't pitch too much over 150. Johnny Cueto was surely not signed to be anywhere but the rotation either. That gives us all five spots locked up. So where does Sixto Sanchez come in? Many (including myself) speculated that he should be given a shot as a relief pitcher. Stottlemyre however claims that he's still seen as a starting pitcher and that he won't be used out of the bullpen at all.
I agree that Sixto should first be given a shot as a starting pitcher, but for his own health, his future may be better off coming from the bullpen. It will all have to depend on his health and specifically the health of his shoulder. I'm not the biggest fan of a 6-man rotation, but let's see how it goes with all of the talented arms that the Miami Marlins have.