Injuries force Marlins' rotation to set dubious mark

CINCINNATI -- Not only was Brad Penny pitching for the Marlins for the first time in 10 years on Saturday night, the 36-year-old also was part of team history.

Penny became the 13th different starter the Marlins have used this season, getting the call at Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati.

It's not exactly an enviable statistic, but it is a franchise record. The 2013 and '02 teams each used 12.

Keeping the rotation intact has been a challenge, especially after Jose Fernandez was lost for the season in May with a torn elbow ligament. All-Star Henderson Alvarez (right shoulder inflammation) also is on the disabled list.

"Definitely, the Jose factor right out of the chute, and then trying to find somebody to replace that spot, it's been tough," manager Mike Redmond said. "We've had trouble getting somebody to eat those innings. We tried quite a number of younger guys. We tried a lot of different things trying to find those innings. It's been tough. I know that's a big number."

Alvarez is scheduled to throw a bullpen session on Sunday. If that goes well, he likely will come off the disabled list on Thursday for the series opener with the D-backs.

"It has been a challenge," Redmond said. "We've been looking for somebody to step up and eat those innings for the rest of the year."