Marlins give Minors deals to McGowan, Axelrod
MIAMI -- A couple of right-handers with big league experience have agreed with the Marlins on Minor League contracts with invitations to Spring Training. Dustin McGowan and Dylan Axelrod were brought in to add more organizational depth.
The two saw limited action in the Majors in 2015, and they project to open the season at Triple-A New Orleans. Both have been used as starters and relievers during their careers.
McGowan, 33, provides bullpen depth and could also be used as a spot starter.
With the Phillies in 2015, McGowan was 1-2 with a 6.94 ERA in 14 games with one start, throwing 23 1/3 innings. The right-hander broke in with the Blue Jays in 2005, and he has appeared in 172 games with 69 starts. McGowan's career mark is 26-29 with a 4.68 ERA in 505 2/3 innings.
Axelrod, 30, made six relief appearances for the Reds this past season, going 0-1 with a 7.30 ERA in 12 1/3 innings. He pitched 105 2/3 innings at Triple-A Louisville in 2015, and he's 45-35 with a 3.34 ERA in 207 Minor League games.
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The right-hander's most active season came with the White Sox in 2013, when he logged 128 1/3 innings and appeared in 30 games, including 20 starts. In parts of five big league seasons, Axelrod is 9-15 with a 5.27 ERA in 228 2/3 innings and 59 games.