For Marlins, returns from DL matter more than call-ups from minors
MIAMI -- When rosters expand in September, the Miami Marlins will look to their disabled list more than their farm system.
After all, injuries and trades have forced the team to turn to four rookies in the rotation during the second half: righties Jose Urena and Kendry Flores, and left-handers Justin Nicolino, Adam Conley. That's not to mention rookie righties Kyle Barraclough, Chris Reed, Brian Ellington and Scott McGough in the bullpen.
Two Marlins on the DL have made progress this week and could be part of that timeframe, if not sooner.
Reliever man Carter Capps, sidelined by a right elbow strain since early August, will throw a second bullpen Sunday and could return for next week's series against the Pittsburgh Pirates.
"It's moving in a positive direction," manager Dan Jennings said. "It's good for Carter and certainly good for us as well. These bullpens and steps and rehabs for all these guys are tests. If they get to the next progression and it feels right then yes there's a good chance to can see him in the next series."
Right-hander Jarred Cosart, who has dealt with two bouts of vertigo this season, will pitch in a Gulf Coast League game Saturday. His second stint with the inner-ear disorder came while he was in the minors.
"Everything's been great," Jennings said. "No signs of the vertigo. He just needs to build up his pitch count and when he gets to a certain level then he'll be back in business."
Adding ace Jose Fernandez and Cosart to the rotation would help as several pitchers near career highs for innings when combining stats from the minors and majors.
Returning -- even for less than a month -- could carry momentum into 2016. Jennings called the players "competitors" and "entertainers," wanting to "come out here and compete and showcase their abilities and play for their teammates."
"I think if we can get back somewhere in September you get Cosart back, you get Jose back," Jennings said. "It's not really call-ups right now, it's the DL guys. Getting these guys cleared off the DL list and having an opportunity to have everyone back together for the last month I think would be very good and a good indicator for where we are going into the offseason."
"I think essentially the cavalry is here, especially where the pitchers are concerned. Getting some of these guys back form the DL will be big. ... Pitching wise right now what you see if what you got. We understand that. These guys understand it and they know it's an opportunity for them to take advantage of.
"Right now we had to have innings so we were reaching down into the farm system pulling guys up and for the most part they've responded in a good way. Now if you can get the guys that have the chance to come back obviously those who have had surgery are not. If you can get those guys who can come back then all of a sudden it's a pretty deep rotation. You can expand that roster and not have to put so much stress on the team."
You can follow Christina De Nicola on Twitter @CDeNicola13 or email her at cdenicola13@gmail.com.
