Miami Marlins trade with Padres leaves Jose Urena without starting job

Miami added pitching depth Friday morning, acquiring Andrew Cashner and Colin Rea from the Padres in exchange for two prospects and starter Jarred Cosart.

Since the Marlins moved Cosart, who was in the club’s starting rotation until being traded, there is an open spot in the rotation. However, if the Marlins plan on starting both Cashner and Rea, they will have to make another roster move.

Jose Fernandez, Adam Conley and Tom Koehler are constants, with Wei-Yin Chen currently on the 15-day disabled list with an elbow injury. Miami’s decision to add two starters might suggest Chen’s injury is more serious than initially expected.

Jose Urena is scheduled to pitch Friday night against the Cardinals and will likely lose his rotation spot when Cashner and Rea are added to the roster.

While Urena has pitched to a 5.34 ERA and 4.17 FIP over 32.0 innings with the Marlins this season, he’s been effective since being recalled to start. Urena’s success likely enabled the Marlins to take their time making the right deal to improve their rotation.

Urena isn’t arbitration eligible until 2019, so he will likely be optioned to Triple-A New Orleans and continue to start.