Brad Penny was promoted to Triple-A New Orleans after a successful outing with the Marlins' Single-A affiliate on Tuesday night. Penny will make a pair of starts before the Marlins make a decision on whether to promote him.
The Miami Marlins don't have to make a decision on their starting rotation until after the All-Star break with Thursday's off day leading into a series with the New York Mets, but if the organization feels a prospect is not ready, they can turn to Brad Penny.
Penny was promoted to Triple-A New Orleans after making a start on Tuesday night, and will reportedly be evaluated after making a pair of starts for the Zephyrs. He will make his next start on Sunday.
Following a successful outing Tuesday for Single A Jupiter, the Marlins are sending Brad Penny to Triple A New Orleans for his next start on Sunday.
Penny, who hasn’t pitched in the majors since 2012, went six innings in what was his second start for Jupiter. He allowed two runs on three hits, striking out two and issuing no walks.
Penny has a July 31 opt out clause in his contract that would give him the chance to sign with another organization if he wasn't on Miami's roster at that point, however the Marlins will likely have a decision made after he makes those two starts.
In just over ten innings with Single-A, Penny posted a 5.06 ERA to complement a 2.88 FIP.
Heading into the All-Star break, the Marlins are utilizing a four man rotation, with Nathan Eovaldi, Henderson Alvarez, Tom Koehler, and Brad Hand serving as the only starters on the roster.
Miami won't need another starting pitcher until July 23, and Penny is an available option.
Andrew Heaney, Brian Flynn, Adam Conley, Anthony DeSclafani, or Justin Nicolinocould see time in the Marlins rotation in the second half. Penny was signed to add depth, but would add a necessary veteran presence to a young staff.
Hand had difficulty in his intial return to the rotation, but after going six and a third innings against the Diamondbacks, will likely get another look.
While the Marlins are trying to develop their young arms, turning to Penny may not be the most logical in terms of long term plans. But if the Marlins are looking to win now, giving Penny a shot in a spot that the Marlins have struggled to fill with a quality arm can't hurt.
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