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One of the more highly regarded prospects in the Marlins system got a real opportunity to play in the majors this time around.
Jordan Holloway initially pitched out of the bullpen. He did the majority of his work in relief during the 2021 season and put up pretty impressive numbers in that role (2-1, 0.75 ERA, 24.0 IP, 24 SO, 0.792 WHIP).
But with voids at the back end of their rotation due to injuries, the Marlins gave Holloway a shot to stretch out as a starter.
"There's no reason he can't have success on the rotation."
— Ethan Budowsky (@ethanbudowsky) May 10, 2021
Manager Don Mattingly says he Jordan Holloway's four-pitch mix makes him suitable as a starter, and they believe his success in the bullpen should be able to translate.
That did not go well at all: 0-2, 10.50 ERA, 12.0 IP, 12 SO, 2.500 WHIP (4 GS). His fastball velocity was less consistent as a starter and he didn’t attack the strike zone with the same confidence.
Jordan Holloway, filthy breaker pic.twitter.com/88TCDzVUUz
— Nick Pollack (@PitcherList) May 16, 2021
Holloway wasn’t actually any better in AAA Jacksonville than he was in The Show. He threw strikes at a higher rate but was also more hittable. He finished the season on a minor league rehab assignment with A Jupiter.
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Even with all the time he missed due to injuries, there were positives from the 2021 season for Jordan Holloway. The Marlins got to test him in both the bullpen and in a starting role to see where he fits best. He showed that his slider is a legitimate putaway pitch (.132 BA allowed on it).
On the negative side, there were times when his bad control prevented him from working as deep into games as the Marlins needed him to.
Holloway really has shown some flashes of being a solid reliever and will be considered as one of the internal options to crack the 2022 roster. The Marlins will at least take a look at free agent relievers, but going with internal options like him isn’t a bad fallback plan if the veteran impact guys are demanding too much money. Holloway would benefit from just having a consistent role and not worrying about being shuttled back and forth between Miami and Jacksonville.