Results tagged ‘ Seth McClung ’
MacDougal released, Jones optioned
Struggling to throw strikes this spring, the Marlins on Tuesday morning cut ties with veteran reliever Mike MacDougal.
The hard-throwing right-hander was released on Tuesday morning, after appearing in five Grapefruit League games for Florida. In his most recent outing, on Sunday against the Nationals, MacDougal worked two-thirds of an inning, giving up three runs while walking three.
In 4 2/3 innings of Grapefruit League play, MacDougal walked seven and struck out two.
The Marlins on Tuesday also optioned lefty Hunter Jones to Triple-A New Orleans. with Jones out of camp, Florida’s lefty reliever situation is cleared up. Renyel Pinto and Dan Meyer — both out of options — are projected to be the situational left-handers.
MacDougal signed a Minor League contract with Florida a couple of days before Spring Training began. Last year, he split time between the White Sox and Nationals. With Washington, he had 20 saves in 21 chances. But after the season he had surgery on his left hip.
MacDougal has been at his best when his fastball is in the upper 90s. On Sunday, it reached as high as 94 once, but for most of Spring Training it’s been clocked about 91-92 mph. Command has been an issue with the right-hander in the past.
Even with his 20 saves last year, he walked 31 and struck out 31 with the Nationals.
Because MacDougal has closing experience, he had been considered a candidate who could fill in at closer if Leo Nunez struggled or was injured.
Nunez is firmly established as the closer. But in case of an emergency, candidates to close would be Brian Sanches, Jose Veras, Meyer and Seth McClung, if he makes the team.
Veras and McClung are signed to Minor League deals. Both have clauses to opt out on April 1 if they don’t feel they are part of Florida’s plans.
– Joe Frisaro
Bullpen shaping up
Perhaps there is just one bullpen spot left to fill at Marlins camp.
Manager Fredi Gonzalez shed some light on some of the relievers who are moving closer to winning spots on the Opening Day roster.
The Marlins anticipate carrying 12 relievers, and Leo Nunez is locked in as the closer. The team anticipates carrying two lefties. They are expected to be Renyel Pinto and Dan Meyer. Both are out of options.
Also strong possibilities to make the team are right-handers Brian Sanches and Jose Veras, in camp on a Minor League contract. Burke Badenhop is a frontrunner to be the long reliever.
“This can change,” said Gonzalez, noting that other candidates may pop across the waiver wire.
If these five hold true, there will be one reliever spot open.
Candidates include Mike MacDougal, Seth McClung, Tim Wood, Chris Leroux and Scott Strickland.
The team may also decide to keep someone like Clay Hensley, who is in the mix for a rotation spot. If Hensley isn’t in the rotation, he could be an option in relief. The same would hold true for Rick VandenHurk and Hayden Penn, who are currently being used as starters.
– Joe Frisaro
McClung to join pen?
Looks like another former Brewer will be in Marlins camp when pitchers and catchers begin Spring Training on Feb. 20 at the Roger Dean Stadium complex in Jupiter, Fla.
Seth McClung, who will turn 30 on Super Bowl Sunday, is close to finalizing a Minor League deal with an invitation to Spring Training.
Last Friday, the Marlins announced they have signed former Milwaukee All-Star closer Derrick Turnbow to a Minor League contract.
If Turnbow makes the team, he will make $600,000 with a chance for $50,000 in incentives.
McClung will compete for a spot in the bullpen.
McClung also strongly considered the Cardinals, Giants and Nationals.
– Joe Frisaro
The Fish Pond
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