NL East Notes: Marlins add Fernando Rodney to Bolster Bullpen

The Miami Marlins have not added a starter yet but they have bolstered their bullpen. On Thursday June 30th they added 39 year old closer Fernando Rodney from the San Diego Padres for single-A pitcher Chris Paddack.

Rodney had 17 saves and an impressive 0.31 ERA with 10.4 K/9, 3.8 BB/9 and a career-best 59 percent ground-ball rate in 28 2/3 innings for the Padres this season and Mike Berger, the Marlins' assistant general manager said,  "It's not as if we addressed an area of weakness. We have a very strong bullpen to begin with. Now it's one man stronger." Rodney also gives the Marlins a back up plan if AJ Ramos' lack of control and 5.2 walks per nine innings start to affect his very good season.

Paddack was just an eighth-round pick in the 2015 draft, but he has been nothing short of remarkable at the Class A level in 2016. Over 28 1/3 innings, he has allowed a ridiculous nine hits and carries a brilliant 0.95 ERA with a 48-to-2 K/BB ratio. MLB.com's Jonathan Mayo and Jim Callis rate him the 17th-best prospect on an poorly-regarded Marlins farm.

Currently the Marlins may not have enough prospects to acquire an above average pitcher like Jake Odorizzi, who is controlled till 2020, or Julio Teheran, who is on a very team friendly deal until 2020. They may have enough to add pitchers like Rich Hill, Drew Pomeranz, or Jeremy Hellickson.

Even though they are not the cream of the crop as long as they can keep up their success so far this season it may be enough to propel the Marlins into the playoffs behind a very deep lineup.

News from around the NL East

Phillies sign two top 30 international players

Nationals rumored to be interested in Jay Bruce

Mets activate Juan Lagares from the disabled list

Braves sign top international prospect Kevin Maitan