Roster nearly set; injuries raise questions

Pitching staff, infield need reinforcements to begin season

March 27th, 2018

MIAMI -- There's some more clarity, but some questions remain regarding how the Marlins' 25-man roster will look on Opening Day on Thursday against the Cubs.
Shortly after defeating the University of Miami 22-2 on Tuesday at Marlins Park, the team announced left-handers and and outfielder have been recalled from the Minor Leagues.
Due to a late surge of injuries, the three were brought back to the big leagues after being sent down during Spring Training.
The 25-man roster must be set by 11:30 a.m. ET on Thursday, a little more than an hour from when the Marlins face the Cubs at 12:40 p.m. ET at Marlins Park.
Also on Tuesday, the team announced four pitchers -- (left elbow), Dan Straily (right forearm inflammation), (dental surgery) and (left oblique) -- will start the season on the 10-day disabled list.
Three position players will be on the DL -- catcher J.T. Realmuto (low back contusion), third baseman (right knee) and shortstop JT Riddle (sore right shoulder). They are retroactive to Monday, and could be reinstated as early as the fifth game.
"I'm excited about our club, in general, and what we're doing," manager Don Mattingly said. "Obviously, this is not the way we had planned to start the season. We would not have been sending guys out of camp just to be doing this later. But with some injuries, and things that have happened, it's nice to know what you're doing is bringing guys that have some experience and are going to be quality for you, if not now, then in the near future."
Also on Tuesday, the team announced right-hander and outfielder were optioned to Triple-A New Orleans.
Frontrunners for roster spots are:
Catcher: , .
Rotation: , , and Peters.
Relievers: , , , , , and Garcia.
Infielders: , , , .
Outfielders: , , .
Bench candidates: , Lee, , and .
Turner, Rivera and Holaday are not on the 40-man roster, which is at 39.