Redmond keeping options open for eighth inning

PHILADELPHIA -- Setup by committee is being used in the early part of the season as the Marlins try to figure out their best options for getting the ball to Steve Cishek in the ninth inning.

Cishek is Miami's established closer. The eighth inning has come down to one of three options. A.J. Ramos, Carlos Marmol and lefty Mike Dunn have been manager Mike Redmond's go-to hurlers.

"We're going to need all of those guys down there," Redmond said. "Those roles work themselves out over the course of time. We'll see how that plays out."

At Washington, the Marlins were slammed by the Nationals in the eighth inning on Wednesday and Thursday.

Jayson Werth belted a grand slam off Marmol with the Marlins ahead on Wednesday, and in the series finale Thursday, with Miami down two, Ian Desmond delivered his grand slam off Arquimedes Caminero.

Dunn pitched a scoreless seventh on Thursday.

"The only way it sorts itself out is by pitching guys," Redmond said. "Last year it took a little bit of time to figure out where everybody fit in. It will this year, too.

"You see from year to year things change. But we do know that Dunner and A.J. and Marmol, those guys are going to have to play a big role in those late innings. That's just how we're set up. We're going to probably have to mix and match. A.J. is not going to be able to throw every single night. Same with Dunner."