MIAMI -- The Marlins made a low-risk but potentially high-reward transaction on Tuesday, acquiring right-hander Severino Gonzalez from the Phillies for either a player to be named or cash considerations.
Adding Gonzalez, who has options, means Miami's roster is now at the maximum of 40.
Gonzalez made 27 relief appearances for the Phillies last year, and he went 1-2 with a 5.60 ERA. In 2015, he was 3-3 with a 7.92 ERA in seven starts. He's thrown a total of 66 big league innings.
A native of Panama, Gonzalez provides organizational depth, and he will be groomed as a starter. He projects to open the season at Triple-A New Orleans.
Per Statcast™, Gonzalez's four-seam fastball average was 93.86 mph last year, slightly above the MLB average of 93.04 mph. He has touched 97 mph.
At two Minor League levels for the Phillies last year, Gonzalez combined for a 2-1 record with a 2.93 ERA in 46 innings.
The fact that the Marlins' roster is now at 40 is an indication the club isn't looking to add another established player to a guaranteed contract.
The addition of Gonzalez helps ease the loss of depth after the Marlins dealt right-hander Austin Brice to the Reds last week as part of the Dan Straily trade. Miami parted with Brice, a hard-throwing reliever, and right-hander Luis Castillo in that deal.