Severino Gonzalez will start but could become part of Marlins ‘super bullpen’

Newly acquired Marlins pitcher Severino Gonzalez will serve as a starter for the Marlins but could eventually join the club’s “super bullpen” as a reliever, according to MLB.com’s Joe Frisaro.

Gonzalez, who Miami acquired from the Phillies in exchange for cash or a player to be named later Tuesday, is expected to report to Triple-A New Orleans to give the Marlins starting pitching depth. He still has an option remaining, likely forcing the Marlins to turn their attention to Jose Urena, who is out of options and could similarly pitch out of Miami’s bullpen.

Gonzalez has struggled in his two major league seasons with the Phillies, posting a 7.92 ERA in 2015 and a 5.60 ERA in Philadelphia last season. He started seven games in 2015 but didn’t make a start with the Phillies in 2016.

The Marlins have constructed a comparably strong bullpen, which is expected to feature A.J. Ramos, Janichi Tazawa, Brad Ziegler and David Phelps at the back-end. After acquiring Dan Straily, Miami doesn’t have a rotation spot to give Gonzalez.