Peter O’Brien designated for assignment

JUPITER—In the latest move in a flurry of roster activity, the Miami Marlins designated Peter O’Brien for assignment. This opened up a spot on the 40-man roster for Zac Gallen, who made his long-anticipated major league debut Thursday night.

O’Brien had just begun a minor league rehab assignment with High-A Jupiter after suffering a ribcage contusion with the Marlins last month.

The organization now has seven days to trade the 28-year-old slugger or pass him through waivers. Should he go unclaimed, Miami could outright him to the minors or simply release him (more likely the latter).

O’Brien seemingly had the inside track at an Opening Day roster spot. Despite losing out to Garrett Cooper due to spring training struggles, Cooper landed on the injured list four games into the season with a left calf strain.

However, O’Brien wasn’t able to take advantage of this opportunity, hitting an abysmal .111/.200/.222 with one home run in nine games. He was eventually sent down to Triple-A New Orleans, where he hit .277 with 14 RBI and 5 home runs. When Cooper suffered yet another injury in early May, O’Brien got recalled. This time around, he performed slightly better, hitting .267/.353/.333...but then came his own injury.

Perhaps O’Brien’s most notable moment in 2019 was doubling off the roof of Marlins Park:

He went 1-for-4 in his lone Jupiter rehab game prior to the DFA.

The Marlins haven’t determined what they will do next with O’Brien, but Fish Stripes will keep you updated on any roster moves in the next few days.