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Miami is considering moving right-hander David Phelps into the starting rotation, according to MLB.com’s Joe Frisaro, a move that might be inevitable given the Marlins’ lack of starting pitching depth.
Mattingly/organization is open to moving David Phelps to rotation @Marlins if he does the plan would be to keep him there
— Joe Frisaro (@JoeFrisaro) May 17, 2017
Phelps opened the season as a part of Miami’s “super bullpen,” but the club needs immediate starting pitching help. Adam Conley and Tom Koehler are now both in Triple-A New Orleans, and Phelps might be a candidate to take one of their spots.
Phelps, 30, has experience starting and relieving, but Frisaro notes the Marlins would keep him in the starting rotation should he end up there.
Over 20 innings this season, Phelps has pitched to a 4.05 ERA and 3.83 FIP. Those figures come a season after he posted a career-best 2.28 ERA as a setup man for the Marlins.
Even if Phelps joins the rotation, the Marlins will be in need of pitching help. They could consider external options and long-term trades after being swept by the Astros this week.