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With Jose Urena making his first major league start Tuesday night, he becomes the first in a line of young Marlins pitchers to end up in Miami. Urena's first start was a rough one, surrendering five runs on ten hits. Jose does in fact have a bright future and has showed potential throughout all levels of the minor league system and could be a potential starter but has also had work out of the bullpen.
Besides Urena, the Marlins have a variety of other enticing pitching options. Include in the group is the elephant in the room, former NL Rookie of the Year Jose Fernandez. Fernandez, who is scheduled to return to the Marlins in June, is the keystone of the Marlins future plans. When he was healthy, he was one of the most energizing young pitchers in recent history showing tremendous skills for a player so young. Fernandez is currently recovering from Tommy John surgery and his return is one of the most anticipated events of the Marlins season.
Already in Triple-A, Justin Nicolino is making waves and thriving in New Orleans. The organizations top pitching prospect for a few years now, the 23-year old finds himself one step away from the majors. Nicolino's most notable characteristic is his command and control. His changeup is his premiere offering, throwing it low mainly categorizing him as a ground-ball pitcher. Nicolino may see a mid to late season call-up in order.
Another pitcher in the Marlins system was their first round pick last season, Tyler Kolek. Kolek has thrown as fast as 102 MPH in his starts in Single-A Greensboro so far this season. While Kolek has major-league velocity, but his control and stamina have raised serious questions so far in the early-going. Kolek could be an ace but he is a long-term project and it will be quite a while until you see him in the majors.
As for the young pitchers the Marlins dealt, Anthony Desclafani, and Andrew Heaney in the offseason in order to acquire veterans. Desclafani has looked sharp so far for the Reds posting a 3.46 ERA in nine appearances.appearances. Heaney is currently in Triple-A with the Salt Lake Bees.
In a depleted farm system, these young arms will carry the Marlins in the future, the Marlins success in just a matter of years depends on the development of these players.