Miami Marlins remain open to adding starting pitching

Miami is pleased with its opening day roster, however the club may not be done exploring possible trade options. According to MLB.com's Joe Frisaro, the Marlins will continue to look for pitching depth through trades after "some concern over their rotation."

Without Jose Fernandez, the Marlins' rotation had success at the start of Grapefruit League play. As the end of spring training approached, though, several starters sat out with minor injuries, leading the organization's front office to consider adding depth moving forward. Frisaro also adds that while adding a starter may the priority, adding an arm to the bullpen could also be a plausible goal.

Mat Latos, who missed time with a knee injury last season, will be the Marlins' second starter in 2015 and will face the Braves on Tuesday night at Marlins Park. He had an elbow scope in October, and the Marlins eased him in to a full throwing program. While Latos pitched notably well in a minor league game on Thursday and is expected to be healthy, having another starter may be beneficial should Latos experience any discomfort at some point this season.

While Latos was able to make his final spring appearance, Jarred Cosart was bothered by a blister towards the end of camp. He, too, is expected to be healthy.

Henderson Alvarez tweaked his knee early in the spring and also had a collision at first base. He is known for appearing to be injured but subsequently pitching effectively.

In addition to watching several of its starters be shaken up this spring, the Marlins have also lost bullpen depth. Aaron Crow, who was an option to make the club as a late inning reliever, is expected to undergo Tommy John surgery, and Preston Claiborne will be sidelined for at least a month with a shoulder injury. Both relievers have major league experience and would have given the Marlins early depth.

Both David Phelps and Brad Hand can start and pitch out of the bullpen and Justin Nicolino and Jose Urena could be promoted at some point in 2015. Ultimately, no deal is close or likely imminent. But if the Marlins feel they need to add depth, something may get done quickly.