MIAMI -- The Marlins already have made one rotation switch, sliding Trevor Richards into the bullpen and using Elieser Hernandez as a starter; Hernandez is scheduled to take the mound on Sunday at 1:10 p.m. ET at home against the D-backs.
With a mostly inexperienced rotation, the organization will be careful in the final two-plus months.
If necessary, manager Don Mattingly noted the club is open to going with a six-man rotation in September.
“The biggest thing you don’t want to do, is you don’t want to shut guys down,” Mattingly said. “You hate telling guys, 'You can’t pitch any more.' You’ve got to put kid gloves on them and tell them [they] can’t pitch.”
The Marlins have several starters, either currently in the rotation or close to returning from the injured list, to help make it through the long season.
All-Star right-hander Sandy Alcantara is in no danger of being scaled back. He’s at 118 1/3 innings thus far.
But Caleb Smith, who underwent surgery to repair a torn left lat in 2018, is at 90 innings, already above the 77 1/3 innings he threw a year ago.
Richards’ innings are fine. He’s at 110 and will end the year in the bullpen or back in the rotation.
Zac Gallen, Jordan Yamamoto and Hernandez are each being monitored.
Gallen has logged 29 1/3 innings with the Marlins, along with 91 1/3 at Triple-A New Orleans.
Yamamoto threw 68 2/3 innings in 2018, and is already at 42 in the big leagues, coupled with 65 1/3 innings at Double-A Jacksonville, before he was promoted to Miami.
Hernandez, now starting again after being used in the bullpen, has piled up 34 1/3 innings for the Marlins, plus 48 more at Triple-A New Orleans. He pitched 65 2/3 innings in 2018.
“I’d rather be able to go to a six-man rotation as we get into September,” Mattingly said. “You can slip a guy into the bullpen for two weeks to keep his innings down, but also have him be ready to pitch. Where they continue to compete without you saying, 'You don’t get to pitch any more.’ That’s not the way guys are built.”
Two other right-handers, currently on the injured list, could also factor into the mix. Pablo López (right shoulder strain) is at 76 2/3 innings for the Marlins. He is scheduled to make a rehab assignment start for Jacksonville on Sunday.
José Ureña (herniated disc) is not close to returning. But when he does, he’s at 74 2/3 innings, and won’t have any innings restrictions.
The Marlins also are exploring trade possibilities. Richards and Smith have received some attention. Smith isn’t expected to be dealt, but Richards might be.
“You like to be able to manage it by just less usage, and using the bullpen a little bit, or going with an extra guy in the rotation,” Mattingly said. “Or, just flat out say, ‘We’re going to keep their innings down tonight, we’re not over five innings or whatever that would be.’"