Miami Marlins' rotation not cause of slow start

This wasn't supposed to be how things turned out.

For the Miami Marlins, the 2013 rotation was a concern as the squad began their preparation for the seasons after spring training began winding down. Just days before the squad was ready to announce their 25-man roster, both Henderson Alvarez and Nathan Eovaldi were placed on the 15-day DL with similar shoulder injuries.

Miami didn't panic, despite the fact that the rotation they had in mind when spring training began in late February was not comparable to the five men that have taken the mound to begin the season. In addition to the Alvarez and Eovaldi injuries, Jacob Turner, who the organization had penciled in to the second or third spot in the rotation, struggled with his command throughout the spring, and as a result began the season with Triple-A New Orleans.

Although it is just a small sample size, the Marlins have had one of the best and most consistent rotations through the first week and a half of the season. Miami starters, prior to Alex Sanabia's rough outing on Wednesday night against the Braves, had an earned run average just above two, which ranked third in the National League.

Ricky Nolasco, who the organization was hoping would pitch like an ace with consistency which he was unable to do in the past, has had two solid outings. Nolasco, with the exception of two home runs off the bat of Bryce Harper, had a solid opening night start, and has had command of his pitches early on.

Kevin Slowey, who made the club after an impressive spring, leads the team with a 2.19 ERA after two starts. Sanabia made the team as a result of the injuries and aside from the poor start against Atlanta, has pitched well, most obvious in the team's only win of the season over the Mets.

Wade LeBlanc and rookie Jose Fernandez have also been efficient early, though the team doesn't have wins to show for it.

Miami's bullpen has been inconsistent and unsuccessful, and the offense has struggled to score runs.

In a game that requires quality pitching performances and a consistent offense to win, the Marlins have received quality efforts on the mound but have nothing to show for them.