Hunter Cervenka could become Marlins primary lefty after Mike Dunn signs with Rockies

Mike Dunn signed a three-year, $19 million deal with the Rockies on Thursday afternoon, according to USA Today’s Bob Nightengale, likely making Hunter Cervenka Miami’s primary left-handed reliever next season.

Dunn, 31, quietly had a solid season with the Marlins in 2016, pitching to a 3.40 ERA and 3.88 FIP over 42.1 innings. Miami first acquired Dunn in the Dan Uggla trade with the Braves.

Dunn had three solid seasons in Miami and ultimately was rewarded. MLB.com’s Joe Frisaro first reported the Marlins were “in the mix” for Dunn, who was a relatively affordable left-handed bullpen piece for the Marlins.

Now that Dunn is off the board, it’s unlikely the Marlins pursue a left-handed reliever on a major league deal. Brett Cecil’s four-year deal with the Cardinals seemingly set the market for left-handed relief help.

The Marlins acquired Cervenka in advance of last season’s waiver trade deadline, though he spent a significant amount of time in Triple-A after the trade. Over 9.1 innings with the Marlins in 2016, he pitched to a 4.82 ERA and 4.65 FIP. However, over 34.0 innings with the Braves, he posted a 3.18 ERA and 3.97 FIP.