Miami Marlins Morning News: Pitching Options are on the Horizon

The Marlins have used 18 pitchers thus far this season: 6 starters, 12 relievers. They have already replaced Jarred Cosart with Justin Nicolino and designated Craig Breslow, Chris Narveson and Dustin McGowan (later recalled). However, more moves are on the horizon.

Bryan Morris, David Phelps, A.J. Ramos and Kyle Barraclough have been used repeatedly for late inning relief and have been above average. However, with injuries inevitable and the other relievers being less than stellar the Marlins will be looking for bullpen depth. Options include newly signed lefty Joe Beimel, Breslow, Narveson, as well as Edwin Jackson and Mike Dunn. However the Jackson and Dunn are both currently injured.

The starting rotation does not have much need but depth is still key in case of injuries or a stretch of bad start. However, the rotation seems to have a solid four right now with Jose Fernandez, Wei-Yin Chen, Adam Conley, and Nicolino. Tom Koehler is the wildcard as he has gotten off to a bad start but has shown progress lately. His strikeout to walk ratio is 100th in the MLB and if Koehler continues to struggle, the Marlins could look to call up other options. Cosart could get a second chance or they could look at 23rd ranked prospect Austin Brice. Brice seems unlikely, however, because he has yet to reach Triple-A.

One name to watch is fifth ranked prospect Kendry Flores who will be starting the second game of the doubleheader today against the Washington Nationals. (Editor's note: Was to be published Saturday. Kendry Flores is now on the disabled list. - MJ) Miami plans on taking advantage of MLB's doubleheader rule that allows the addition of a 26th man, meaning the club doesn't have to make a corresponding move.

Two names outside of the organization that the Marlins can look at for both depth or to start if they can not find a quality 5th starter in the organization are John Danks and Tim Lincecum. Both have had success in the Majors but recently are just trying to find jobs. The Marlins seem to be out of the running for Lincecum but he can help them immediately because of his ability to start and relieve. Danks on the other hand has struggled and hasn't had an ERA under 4.00 since 2011.

A year ago, the Marlins used 29 pitchers and 13 starters, which matched a franchise record, With the questions in the bullpen and the 5th starter spot the Marlins may have a chance to pass it.

News from around the NL East

Phillies call up 1B Tommy Joseph and demote 1B/OF Darin Ruf

Logan Verrett to start in place of Steven Matz today

Mets place Wilmer Flores on DL and call up pitcher Sean Gilmartin

Max Scherzer ties the strikeout record with 20 on Thursday against former team

Braves trade Jhoulys Chacin to the Angels for pitcher Adam McCreery