Marlins claim Strong, add lefty depth to bullpen
NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Mike Strong, once a Top 20 prospect with the Brewers, was claimed off waivers by the Marlins on Monday afternoon. Miami's 40-man roster is now at 38.
The 27-year-old left-handed reliever split time this past season in Double-A and Triple-A, and he has yet to appear in the big leagues.
In 2015, Strong combined to appear in 50 games while posting a 3.68 ERA. The southpaw struck out 61 and walked 31 in 66 innings.
The Marlins have a shortage of left-handed relief depth. Also, the club is receiving numerous calls on Mike Dunn, who is signed for $3.45 million in 2016, the final year of his contract.
Raudel Lazo is another lefty option who gained some big league experience late in the season. Brad Hand, who has been a starter and long reliever, could become a candidate to be a lefty specialist.
Strong has yet to pitch above Triple-A. In 337 career Minor League innings, the lefty has 358 strikeouts.