Marlins' bullpen a work in progress

With starting rotation still uncertain, many arms in play for relief work

March 19th, 2019

JUPITER, Fla. -- All things being equal, Marlins manager Don Mattingly would prefer to carry multiple left-handed relievers.

It doesn’t appear Mattingly will have that luxury, as he may wind up with just one pure lefty reliever -- plus one or two more southpaws as long relievers -- at his disposal.

Whichever direction the Marlins go, Mattingly noted the organization is prepared to go with its best relief options late in games, regardless of who is at the plate.

“I’d love to have three lefties, to be honest with you,” Mattingly said. “If they can get both [right-handed and left-handed hitters] out, lefties are usually a tough look a lot of times for righties, too.”

The Marlins’ bullpen picture got a little clearer on Tuesday morning following three roster moves. Lefty relievers Jarlin Garcia and Brian Moran and right-hander R.J. Alvarez were sent out of big league camp.

Garcia was optioned to Triple-A New Orleans, while Alvarez and Moran were reassigned to Minor League camp.

That leaves Adam Conley as the primary lefty option. The 28-year-old is also a candidate to close, depending on the situation. Miami isn’t going with one set closer, and if favorable matchups present themselves in save situations, Conley may get the nod.

Mike Kickham, who isn’t on the 40-man roster, is another lefty still in the mix.

The Marlins plan on carrying eight relievers to go with their five starters. But two of those starter candidates may wind up in the bullpen, shuffling between relief and spot-start roles.

Jose Urena has already been named Opening Day starter. After that, it’s all speculation. Dan Straily projects as the No. 2 starter, although that hasn’t been announced.

Wei-Yin Chen, Sandy Alcantara, Trevor Richards, Caleb Smith and Pablo Lopez are all starters who could potentially relieve, either on a rotation or matchup basis.

As for true relievers, Conley, Drew Steckenrider, Sergio Romo and Tayron Guerrero are regarded as locks to make the club. Austin Brice and Riley Ferrell are right-handers who are tracking towards roster spots. Steckenrider and Romo are closer options, too.

“Obviously, there’s still decisions to make,” Mattingly said. “There’s probably three decisions to make out there, which way we’re going to go. We’ll be debating that over the next few days and see where we’re going.”

When it comes to facing left-handed hitters late in games, Mattingly plans on going with his main late-inning relievers.

“We’re going with the guys with the best stuff, the guys who give us a chance of getting outs,” Mattingly said. “It doesn’t matter if they are left or right.”

Conley, who became a full-time reliever in 2018 after previously being in the rotation, appeared in 52 games and logged 50 2/3 innings last year. Lefties hit .171 off him, compared to right-handers who batted .228.

“For me, once I moved to the bullpen, the game actually simplified a lot for me,” Conley said. “I pretty much know I’m only going to face a guy once a night. That obviously changes the dynamic of what I’m going to do with a guy.”

Conley said he plans on attacking with his strength, which has been a 95-plus mph fastball, slider and changeup. But when it comes to his secondary pitches, he may go with what is working best on a particular day.

“There’s probably more moving parts there, in the rotation and the bullpen, than any other place for us,” Mattingly said.