Marlins links, 7/23/18: Still sweepless in 2018, trade candidates, prospect reinforcements

Marlins drop series finale

Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Entering Sunday’s game, the Marlins were looking to complete their first sweep of 2018.

Chris Archer was on the mound for the Tampa Bay Rays and it appeared as if Archer had his best pitches working for him as he struck out the the side to begin the game. Archer’s dominance was short-lived as the Marlins strung together four runs in the second inning. Miguel Rojas was in the middle of it all with a two run double, a throwing error allowed Cameron Maybin to score and put Rojas at third base, Bryan Holaday’s RBI single brought him home and gave the Marlins their sizable cushion.

Trevor Richards turned his second consecutive quality start after only allowing one run on 6 ²⁄₃ innings pitched. Potential trade chip Brad Ziegler pitched 1 ¹⁄₃ innings of scoreless baseball.

Everything seemed to be going Miami’s way up until the ninth inning when Kyle Barraclough blew the save. Barraclough gave up a game-winning grand slam to Daniel Robertson who came on to pinch hit. He was charged with allowing five runs on four hits.

Many fans were wondering why Don Mattingly left Barraclough in as he's been battling an illness over the past few days. A bad managerial decision and some poor pitching led to a 6-4 Tampa Bay victory.

Potential Marlins trade candidates

Dan Straily along with Marlins relief pitchers seem to be in high demand as contending teams are looking to improve the back end of their rotation and to shore up their bullpen.

Not too long ago, we profiled Straily and discussed some potential landing spots. The veteran right-hander attributes his recent success to the reintroduction of his sinker, Clark Spencer of the Miami Herald reports. Never rule out a deal with the Yankees considering that Gary Denbo is very familiar with their farm system (he built it).

Outside of Straily, the starting pitcher market is short on talent, but the relief market is more of a buyer’s paradise. The Marlins alone supply four legitimate pitchers: Brad Ziegler, Adam Conley, Kyle Barraclough and Drew Steckenrider.

Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

Steckenrider is pitching in his first complete season and outside of a couple of bad performances against the Braves, he's been one of the best bullpen arms in the league. Ineligible for arbitration until 2021, many teams would love to add a young, controllable, effective arm like his. Expect the Marlins to demand something close to a king’s ransom for him.

The Marlins calvary

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The Marlins at long last have some depth at the minor league level. After some highly scrutinized offseason trades, the Marlins have plenty of major league ready prospects at Triple-A New Orleans. Ian Smith previews deserving call-up candidates in pitchers Zac Gallen and Jose Quijada, and outfielder Austin Dean.

Anything is possible within the next week as the Marlins are positioned to trade some players off making way for some new players to join the big league club.

Atlanta comes into town

Marlins ace Jose Ureña (2-9) will be on the mound to welcome the Atlanta Braves back to Marlins Park. Ureña has had some moments of pitching brilliance and with the second half underway, he’s expected to turn a page and pitch like the leader of the rotation.

Unfortunately the Marlins lost yesterday, but the offense has been on fire early in the second half and Sean Newcomb (8-5) looks to be their next victim.

First pitch is at 7:10p.m.