Would the Marlins consider acquiring a pitcher off waivers?

After sending Colin Rea back to the Padres in exchange for prospect Luis Castillo on Monday, the Marlins are turning to their depth to address the back-end of their rotation.

David Phelps will start against the Rockies on Friday and will be extended enough to serve as Miami’s fifth starter. But would the Marlins be better suited trying to make another trade?

Miami reportedly was pushing to make another trade for starting help before Monday’s non-waiver trade deadline but was unable to do so. It isn’t too late, though.

Throughout August, teams are still able to make trades via waivers. A team has to first place a player on waivers, with claims subsequently being made. However, claim priority is based on record, so the Marlins could have some competition.

Now that several names are off the market after the trade deadline, there aren’t many starters to choose from. However, Jeremy Hellickson remains an intriguing possibility for the Marlins.

Philadelphia publicly noted it wasn’t pleased with the offers for Hellickson, who is an impending free agent. The Phillies are likely planning to make Hellickson a qualifying offer, but that could be a gamble given the projected value of this off-season’s QOs.

It’s unlikely the Phillies will place Hellickson on waivers, although they aren’t obligated to make a trade by doing so.

With Wei-Yin Chen on the disabled list, the Marlins don’t have many options. If Phelps pitches well, he could remain in the rotation, although that weakens the back-end of the club’s bullpen.

Justin Nicolino and Kendry Flores might each receive opportunities before the end of the season.

Miami’s starting rotation has pitched to a 4.07 ERA, which ranks sixth in the National League. But the team’s starters have had difficulty pitching deep into games, which makes it dependent on the bullpen. When called upon too often, the bullpen gets overused. That might have been the case in Wednesday’s loss to the Cubs.

Regardless, the waiver trade deadline gives the Marlins an opportunity to add depth. Time will reveal if doing so is necessary.