Miami Marlins rumors: Don Mattingly wants to keep two lefties in bullpen

Marlins manager Don Mattingly would like to carry two left-handed relievers in the bullpen, according to Barry Jackson of The Miami Herald.

Although the Marlins have considered carrying multiple lefties in the past, it is not something the organization has been adamant about doing over the last few seasons. Mike Dunn has been the lone left-handed relief option the club has opted to carry in the bullpen.

Randy Choate and Dan Jennings have pitched out of the Marlins' bullpen in the past, but the club does not appear to have a desire to carry a left-handed specialist.

While Mattingly has a few options to consider, the top two are not known to be lefty specialists. Brad Hand and Craig Breslow are candidates to pitch out of the Marlins' bullpen in 2016. It is unlikely both make the roster.

Hand, 25, is out of options and has not had a notable amount of success in his time with the Marlins. Miami has used him as both a starter and reliever, but he has yet to thrive in either role.

Over 93.1 innings with the Marlins last season, Hand pitched to a 5.30 ERA and 4.08 FIP. His career ERA is 4.71 and he has had difficulty with his command at times.

Hand has never dominated lefties, either. Over Hand's career, left-handed hitters are batting .273 against him.

Hand could be considered, but it appears Craig Breslow should emerge as the favorite. Breslow is a bounce-back candidate after struggling with the Red Sox last season. Miami signed him to a minor league deal earlier this winter.

Over 65.0 innings with Boston in 2015, Breslow pitched to a 4.15 ERA and 5.27 FIP. However, Breslow has a career 3.37 ERA. He is not a specialist, though, with lefties batting .304 against over the course of his career.

Miami should benefit from carrying two lefties in the bullpen, especially playing within the National League East. Breslow could be the favorite but Hand might still be considered.