Marlins Hand Veteran Pitcher Opening Day Start In Spring Training
MIAMI (CBSMiami) – The Miami Marlins feel pretty confident in their projected starting rotation of Ricky Nolasco, Jacob Turner, Nathan Eovaldi, and Henderson Alvarez. But the fifth spot is still up for grabs and the pitcher that will take the mound Saturday in the Marlins' opening game of spring training is hoping to secure that spot.
John Maine has played seven major league seasons with the Baltimore Orioles and New York Mets. He went 41-36 with a 4.35 ERA over those seven seasons, but had shoulder surgery in 2010 and has bounced around the minor leagues since then.
Maine signed a minor-league deal with the Marlins in December and has the opportunity to kickstart his career with a good performance in spring training. Maine will start the Marlins spring training opener against the St. Louis Cardinals.
Maine will have to earn his spot if he is to take the fifth starter spot. The Marlins trio of Turner, Nolasco, and Eovaldi are all young and the Marlins have one of the best pitching prospects in Major League Baseball in Jose Fernandez rapidly moving up through the team's farm system.
Fernandez is expected to join the Marlins main roster as early as mid-season, unless he dominates in spring training which could put him on the roster to start the season.
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