Adam Conley likely to earn final rotation spot

If anyone had a starting job all but locked up entering spring training, it almost certainly would have been left-hander Adam Conley. Conley proved to be among Miami’s most consistent starters last season and gave the club a lefty to turn to in a division that features many left-handed power bats.

Conley struggled this spring, resulting in questions with regard to his starting status. But with Conley and right-hander Jose Urena the two starting arms remaining after Tuesday’s roster cuts, it seems Conley will enter the season as the club’s fifth starter, according to Tim Healey of The Sun Sentinel.

The Marlins optioned left-hander Justin Nicolino to Triple-A, and Urena is likely to make the team because he is out of options. Still, Conley’s job appears to be safe for now.

Over 11.2 innings this spring, Conley pitched to a 6.94 ERA. Those aren’t the numbers the Marlins are used to from the starter who posted a 3.85 ERA over 133.1 innings last season.