MIAMI -- The Marlins are designating for assignment veteran right-hander Chris Paddack, a source told MLB.com on Tuesday morning.
With Paddack’s rotation spot coming up Friday night against the Nationals, lefties Braxton Garrett and Robby Snelling (Marlins No. 2 prospect, No. 33 overall) are two of Miami’s top options.
Selected in the eighth round of the 2015 MLB Draft by the Marlins but dealt 12 months later, the 30-year-old had been vocal about finally putting on a Miami uniform. Paddack, whom the Marlins signed at the start of Spring Training to a one-year, $4 million contract, saw his ERA rise to 7.63 -- second highest among MLB pitchers with at least six starts (Boston’s Brayan Bello, 9.12) -- after Sunday’s loss to the Phillies, in which he allowed six runs in the first inning.
Miami fell to 0-6 in Paddack’s first six starts this season, marking just the fourth time in franchise history that has happened to a newcomer. His 9.00 ERA through six starts was the third highest.
Following the game, manager Clayton McCullough said Paddack would make his next start. Instead, the Marlins will likely turn to one of two dueling lefties at Triple-A Jacksonville: Garrett or Snelling.
Garrett, who lost out on a rotation spot while working his way back from Tommy John surgery, has the second-lowest ERA (1.71) and the lowest WHIP (0.68) in the International League through five starts. Across a three-start span, he tossed 16 consecutive hitless innings, which included a no-no on April 21.
The 28-year-old Garrett also has a proven track record. Prior to an injury-plagued 2024 campaign, Garrett compiled a 3.63 ERA in 48 games (47 starts) from 2022-23.
Snelling isn’t on the 40-man roster, but there will be an open spot after Paddack’s DFA. The 22-year-old has a 1.86 ERA (third lowest), a 0.90 WHIP (third lowest) and 44 strikeouts (tied for the most) in six starts.
Until Friday’s spot in the rotation comes up, the Marlins will recall prospect William Kempner to provide a fresh arm in the bullpen.
Acquired from the Giants in January 2025 in a trade for international bonus pool money, the 24-year-old Kempner put together a standout first season with the organization (2.26 ERA across three Minor League levels). Miami rewarded him by protecting him from the Rule 5 Draft over the offseason.
Through 12 appearances at Triple-A Jacksonville this season, Kempner has given up 11 runs on 13 hits with 34 strikeouts and 11 walks in 15 ⅓ innings. He also has recorded three saves.