Miami Marlins to designate Carlos Marmol for assignment

Mandatory Credit: Daniel Shirey-USA TODAY Sports

Carlos Marmol appears to have worn out his welcome in yet another bullpen, as the right-hander will be designated for assignment by the Miami Marlins. Clark Spencer of the Miami Herald reported the news late Saturday evening, noting that the move was expected to take place Sunday.

An electric but wild arm, Marmol had worked his way into the closer role with the Chicago Cubs on a full time basis by 2010 and was effective over the next two and a half seasons. By mid 2012 his struggles had started to compound, first with the loss of control on his slider and second with the walk issues lacking any improvement. He lost his role as closer and ultimately worked his way out of town last season following a trade to the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Marmol had joined the Marlins on a one year, $1.25 Million deal just before pitchers and catchers reported to camp in early February. He’d earned his way into the team’s bullpen mix, but had allowed 12 runs on 16 hits in 13.1 IP. Add in 10 walks and that leaves him with a 1.950 WHIP and 8.10 ERA.

Some team with a bullpen need may be willing to take a chance on what was once a live arm, but it would not be out of the question for Marmol to need to spend some time in the minor leagues first in order to prove himself again. Teams can’t trust an arm out of the bullpen with a walk problem as high as his (6.2 BB/9 for his career).