PHILADELPHIA -- With a youthful rotation that has struggled to work deep into games, the Marlins are in need of long-relief options. They changed things up on Sunday by selecting the contract of right-hander Tyler Cloyd from Triple-A New Orleans.
To make space on the 40-man roster, the Marlins designated right-hander Jacob Turner, who allowed eight runs in one relief inning in Saturday's 20-1 loss to the Phillies, for assignment.
Initially, Cloyd was scheduled to start for New Orleans on Sunday, but those plans changed on Saturday when he was informed he would be heading to Philadelphia to join the Marlins.
"It's a matter that we didn't have length [multiple-innings candidates] out there," Marlins manager Don Mattingly said. "He was scheduled to start today. We felt fairly comfortable for today, but if something happens, and he already pitches, that's four days we're waiting around trying to piece it together again. This way, he's got innings built up and ready to pitch."
Cloyd has 20 games of big league experience, most recently with the Mariners in 2017, when he threw one inning in one appearance. Cloyd is 5-9 with a 5.92 career ERA in 94 1/3 innings, with 17 starts.
The 30-year-old was in Spring Training with the Marlins as a non-roster invitee, so he has familiarity with the players and coaching staff. He has already been stretched to 80-85 pitches.
"It helps a lot when you know everyone," Cloyd said. "It makes it a little bit easier, having familiar faces and friends. It doesn't feel awkward, and knowing all the catchers, too. That helps you a lot as a pitcher."
Turner, 26, made Miami's Opening Day roster as a non-roster invitee with an invitation to Spring Training. The right-hander was in the mix for a rotation spot, but he joined the club as a long reliever.
In four appearances, Turner surrendered 10 earned runs in 5 2/3 innings (15.88 ERA).
With Jarlin Garcia, who has allowed two runs over 10 frames, moving into the rotation, the Marlins are in need of a long reliever who can log innings. That was the case on Saturday in the lopsided loss to the Phillies.
Turner entered in relief of Dillon Peters in the third inning, giving up eight runs on six hits with three walks.
"You need to have someone who can fill those innings," Mattingly said. "In that game [Saturday], Jacob, you're hoping can give you three innings. You're trying to stay away from guys. That guy in the middle is very important. Is he going to be a guy who can come in and give you three innings or four sometimes, or maybe more? You're looking for that guy at all times. If you have that guy yesterday, and he gives you an inning, it puts you in a bad spot."
Worth noting
Cameron Maybin is dealing with some tightness in his neck and was given a breather on Sunday. Braxton Lee, who collected his first big league hit on Saturday, started in right field in the series finale.