Austin Dean to be Called Up

On Tuesday night, the Marlins traded RHP Odrisamer Despaigne to the Los Angeles Angels for cash considerations.

In 20 ¹⁄₃ major league innings this season, he had a 5.31 ERA and a 1.48 WHIP. Despaigne suffered a forearm strain in late April, but continued to struggle when reactivated from the disabled list the following month, so on June 6, he was sent down to Triple-A New Orleans. The stats were not much better: 4.36 ERA, 1.48 WHIP in 43.1 IP. He was not called up again following the demotion and the Fish determined that he was expendable.

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While the trade itself won’t be making any headlines, it served its purpose for a very anticipated move by opening up a spot on the Marlins 40-man roster.

Shortly after that, outfield prospect Austin Dean received word that he’d fill the spot and began informing friends and family. Craig Mish was first to confirm the move Wednesday morning.

Dean was drafted in 2012 in the fourth round by Marlins out of high school.

Six years later, Dean finally has his breakout year. In 22 games in Double-A Jacksonville, the corner outfielder slashed .420/.466/.654 with 3 home runs. That showing earned him a promotion to Triple-A New Orleans where he has been slashing .326/.397/.475 with 9 home runs in 87 games. The Spring, Texas native proved he was ready for the highest level by ramping it up to .465/.540/.907 in August on his way to the Pacific Coast League Player of the Week award.

The Marlins offense has been stagnant lately and Dean should make an immediate impact. Spreading the ball to all fields, he’s difficult to defend against, and the over-the-fence power that the 24-year-old demonstrated in the minors justifies playing him in the outfield corners.

Dean’s addition to the lineup could prove fruitful as the Marlins play the role of spoiler for the last month and a half of the season.

Thank you for reading, until next time!