Dunn the latest lefty to lock down a save

CHICAGO — When the Marlins acquired Mike Dunn, the team noted that the hard-throwing left-hander had the potential to become a future closer.

Since joining the team after the 2010 season, Dunn’s role has primarily been in setup relief.

Now that Miami manager Ozzie Guillen is going by matchups and availability, all of the relievers may get a chance. Dunn was the latest to close, and he came through on Monday night. With runners on first and second, he struck out Adam LaRoche to lock down a 5-3 win over the Nationals at Marlins Park.

This isn’t to say Dunn will be moving into the closer spot, but it showed Guillen has confidence in the left-hander in any situation.

What Dunn did on Monday also was a rarity in Marlins’ history.

The franchise has 757 total saves, with just 24 of those being turned in by a left-hander. Two of those have been this season as Randy Choate had the other.

It’s not like the team’s all-time left-handed saves leader has that many. For those curious, Taylor Tankersley holds the distinction with four.

Marlins lefties to record a save

Taylor Tankersley 4

Michael Tejera 3

Armando Almanza 2

Vic Darensbourg 2

Felix Heredia 2

Dan Meyer 2

Renyel Pinto 2

Franklyne Gracesqui 1

Randy Choate 1

Mike Dunn 1

Yorkis Perez 1

Arthur Rhodes 1

Rich Rodriguez 1

Ed Vosberg 1

– Joe Frisaro