MIAMI -- The Marlins designated for assignment veteran lefty John King and recalled righty Jack Ralston from Triple-A Jacksonville ahead of Sunday’s series finale against the Nationals.
Known as a ground-ball specialist, King signed a $1.5 million contract ahead of Spring Training as a reclamation project after posting a 4.66 ERA in 51 outings with the Cardinals in 2025 following a 2.85 ERA in his ‘24 campaign.
The 31-year-old King got off to a strong start with his new team, compiling a 1.95 ERA in his first 38 games. But his ERA ballooned to 9.95 ERA over the next 12 appearances, which overlapped with time on the 15-day injured list due to a left lateral ankle sprain.
Overall, King still put together a career-high 6.0 K/9, a 100 ERA+ and a 1.007 WHIP in 50 appearances. His offspeed run value (four) ranked in the 88th percentile.
With King’s departure, Cade Gibson is the only southpaw remaining in Miami’s bullpen. Manager Clayton McCullough said the club will rely on him and some of the righty relievers to get left-handed bats out.
Ralston, whom the Marlins added to the 40-man roster on Aug. 3, has yet to make his Major League debut.