Merandy Gonzalez to Make Spot Start

Doubleheaders typically throw a wrench into pitching rotation orders. That will be the case on Monday when the Marlins and Braves make up their postponed game from August 1. The Marlins have decided to call up RHP Merandy Gonzalez to make the spot start opposite of Florida native, Touki Toussaint, who will be making his MLB debut with the Atlanta Braves.

It will be a split doubleheader from SunTrust Park with start times at 1:35pm and 7:35pm.

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Gonzalez was acquired last season in the deal that sent AJ Ramos to the New York Mets. He made his MLB debut earlier this season in a long relief role. In 17 ¹⁄₃ innings, he had a 5.71 ERA as he struggled to limit the long ball and free passes. He was sent back down to Double-A Jacksonville, where he struggled upon his return.

However, Gonzalez went exactly 7 innings and gave up 1 run in each of his last three starts. The Marlins are clearly rolling with the hot hand.

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It helps that that he was already on the 40-man roster. There won’t need to be a corresponding roster move as MLB allows teams to carry 26 active players for doubleheaders.

In other news, Lewis Brinson is expected to begin a rehab assignment on Tuesday. It has not been clarified whether he will start the rehab assignment in Jupiter or Jacksonville.

The rookie center fielder was the Marlins top prospect coming into this season. Despite struggling mightily slashing .186/.232/.338, he has flashed the power and elite defense that made him so appealing to the Marlins in the Christian Yelich deal. In the month of June, he slashed a much more favorable .267/.301/.547.

Brinson is key cog to this Marlins rebuild and having him healthy and producing will be essential to the team’s success.

Thank you for reading, until next time!