Miami Marlins reliever Chris Hatcher remaind confident despite the fact that he didn't make the 25-man roster out of Spring Training, and after choosing to accept an assignment to Triple-A New Orleans, Hatcher, who has pitched well in the minors as of late, is getting another opportunity.
Hatcher was promoted before Thursday afternoon's victory over the Philadelphia Phillies. After initially being removed from the Marlins' 40-man roster, Hatcher was promoted after Miami informed Anthony DeSclafani, who made a pair of starts, that he would be sent to New Orleans and Randy Wolf would take his spot in the rotation.
Second baseman Rafael Furcal, who opened the season on the disabled list, was transferred to the 60-day DL to make room for Hatcher on the 40-man roster.
"Pretty shocking," Hatcher said. "Wasn't expecting. I was throwing the ball well down there. I'll come up here and try to keep doing it and help the team get some outs."
To make room on the 40-man roster for Hatcher, Rafael Furcal was transferred to the 60-day disabled list. Furcal, on the DL since the start of the season, is doing baseball activities at the team's complex in Jupiter, Fla.
Furcal is recovering from a left hamstring strain and a right groin strain. There is no projected return date for the 36-year-old second baseman.
Miami has been looking for consistent relief help, and Hatcher may provide that, having spent parts of three seasons with the Marlins. In 22 and a third innings in Triple-A, Hatcher posted a 2.01 ERA and 3.37 FIP while walking six and striking out 25. Hatcher may not have an overwhelming fastball or deceptive breaking ball, but when he remains around the strike zone can be a solid relief option.
Hatcher's behavior in his time with New Orleans led to a suspension, and while Miami has several veterans in the clubhouse, it is questionable why the Marlins would want to add a player that may lack necessary discipline.
Hatcher also is battling back from a five-game suspension stemming from an altercation he had with New Orleans teammate Sam Dyson. Hatcher struck Dyson, who sustained a broken jaw.
"I'm not going to get into the specifics of it," Hatcher said. "I've covered it with the media. But I've learned from it. I felt like I've become a better person because of it. Moving forward, I know things like that can't happen, which I knew that before. I put myself in a tough spot professionally and as a person and hope to move forward from it."
Although the Marlins have Kevin Slowey and Brad Hand as long men in the bullpen, Hatcher can pitch multiple innings and gives the Marlins another fresh arm to complement Steve Cishek.