Marlins Give Bullpen Major Boost With Acquisition Of Fernando Rodney
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MIAMI (CBSMiami) – The Miami Marlins made a big move on Thursday to solidify the back end of their bullpen.
Miami acquired veteran pitcher Fernando Rodney from the San Diego Padres in exchange for prospect Chris Paddack.
The Marlins bullpen has been better of late but the addition of Rodney takes it to another level.
The 39-year-old was having a great year with the Padres, owning a 0.31 ERA and a 33/12 strikeout to walk ratio in 28 2/3 innings while going 17-for-17 in save opportunities.
He will likely slide into a setup role behind closer A.J. Ramos, who has converted all 24 of his save opportunities this season.
The back of Miami's bullpen has been a major strength of the team recently, led by Ramos, David Phelps and Kyle Barraclough.
Paddack has pitched very well for Single A Greensboro, holding a 2-0 record with a 0.95 ERA and 48 strikeouts in 28 1/3 innings.
The Marlins selected Paddack in the eighth round of the 2015 MLB Draft.
Rodney is owed $2 million in salary this season. His contract has a club option for 2017 worth $2 million with a $400,000 buyout.
Entering Thursday's game against the Atlanta Braves, Miami holds a 41-37 record which puts them 5.5 games behind the Washington Nationals in the NL East.
The Marlins are currently in sole possession of the second NL Wild Card spot, owning a half-game lead over the St. Louis Cardinals and New York Mets.