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Miami Marlins give Tom Koehler second spot in rotation

Jose Fernandez, Koehler, and Dan Haren will pitch against the Phillies on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, respectively.

By Scott Gelman
Mark L. Baer-USA TODAY Sports

Tom Koehler had a solid first half and he is being rewarded. Miami announced its rotation for the first series following the All-Star break against Philadelphia, with Jose Fernandez opening the three game set and Tom Koehler and Dan Haren pitching on Saturday and Sunday, respectively.

Although he was placed in the bullpen for a short time, Koehler has thrived for the second consecutive season. Coming off of a solid 2014 campaign, he has posted a 3.40 ERA and 4.48 FIP over 98.0 innings. Koehler has made 16 starts and is 7-5 over that span. While some felt he would best be utilized as a back of the bullpen arm, the Marlins' rotation has been plagued by injuries. Before Fernandez was activated, Henderson Alvarez and Mat Latos both spent time on the disabled list.

While Koehler has had success and will now serve as a top of the rotation arm, Haren has pitched well through 18 starts after initially being placed in the back end of the Marlins' starting five. He has posted a 3.24 ERA and 4.14 FIP over 111.0 innings and has been among Miami's most consistent starting options. Haren's name has been consistently mentioned in trade rumors over the last few weeks and he might be dealt before the July 31 non-waiver trade deadline.

Jarred Cosart initially struggled after being activated from the disabled list, Alvarez is not expected back until the end of the month, and Latos might not be completely healthy. David Phelps has pitched well when called upon to start and Justin Nicolino and Adam Conley have received opportunities. The Marlins' starting rotation should only improve moving forward but the change in rotation spots for Koehler and Haren is likely a result of their ability to be consistent throughout the first half.

Worth Noting

  • Miami announced Henderson Alvarez made his first rehab start for Single-A Jupiter on Wednesday. Alvarez has been sidelined with shoulder inflammation.
  • Jordany Valdespin was outrighted to Triple-A on Wednesday. He could refuse the assignment and become a free agent.

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