After designating Carlos Marmol for assignment, the Miami Marlins recalled reliever Henry Rodriguez from Triple-A New Orleans on Sunday afternoon. Rodriguez didn't earn a roster spot out of spring training but opted to remain in the organization.
Miami Marlins reliever Henry Rodriguez made the right decision to remain in the Marlins' organization. After an inconsistent spring, Rodriguez didn't earn a roster spot but chose to head to Triple-A New Orleans. Following several poor outings which eventually led to Carlos Marmolgetting designated for assignment, Rodriguez was promoted before Sunday's series finale in San Diego.
Clark Spencer of the Miami Herald was the first to report the news via Twitter:
The #Marlins are promoting RHP Henry Rodriguez from Triple A NOLA
— clarkspencer (@clarkspencer) May 11, 2014Rodriguez was at one time Washington's closer, and can light up the radar gun with a quality fastball. But like Marmol, control has been a problem for him throughout his career.
In 12 appearances totaling 19 1/3 innings for Triple A New Orleans this season, Rodriguez has struck out 37 batters -- or nearly two an inning. But he's also walked 23 -- or more than one an inning. Batters are hitting only .123 against him.
Rodriguez's best major league year was in 2011 with the Nationals, when he posted a 3.56 ERA and a 3.24 FIP in 59 games.
Manager Mike Redmond has yet to find a consistent and reliable relief option. Marmol was signed to provide depth and was thought to be an eighth inning option, but the walks and two-out hits became troublesome.
Mike Dunn and A.J. Ramos have also had their share of troubles, and Miami has yet to find the right reliever to bridge the gap to closer Steve Cishek.
While focusing on improving the offense, Miami's front office didn't feel the need to explore bullpen options during the offseason. However, with Ryan Webb and Chad Qualls no longer on the roster, the Marlins' youthful bullpen is struggling.
Rodriguez in his career is 5-7 with 4.24 ERA and 4.02 FIP. His walks per nine innings ratio (6.17 in his career) is a bit alarming, but the Marlins didn't have many other options. Arquimedes Caminero has spent time with the Marlins but has struggled in Triple-A (7.59 ERA), and promoting Dan Jennings would put three lefties in Miami's bullpen.
With Marmol having difficulty recording outs almost every time out, Rodriguez at the very least should be a bit of an upgrade. And should he struggle, the Marlins may find themselves in a position where trading for a relief arm is the only possibility.