Marlins Reveal Nicolino and Urena Will Begin in Triple-A

The Marlins revealed on Tuesday that young starters Justin Nicolino and Jose Urena won’t be on the Opening Day roster and instead will begin the season in Triple-A New Orleans.

Miami’s staff is set with holdovers Henderson Alvarez, Jarrod Cosart, and Tom Koelher and new additions Mat Latos and Dan Haren.  In the case of injury, they also have long relievers Brad Hand, David Phelps, and Aaron Crow in the fold.  Add in the potential return of number one starter Jose Fernandez post-Tommy John surgery, and there’s no rush to promote the inexperienced starters to the majors.

Instead, the Marlins are choosing to groom two of their top prospects with an eye on having them contribute possibly by the All-Star break. “These are two guys we really like and we’re counting on,” manager Mike Redmond told MLB.com. “These guys are going to help us down the road.

The reigning Marlins Marlins’ 2014 Organizational Pitcher of the Year, Nicolino posted a strong 2.85 ERA in 170 and 1/3 innings and 1.07 WHIP. His strikeouts dipped from 9.6 to 8.6 per nine innings and although on paper that seems like a negative, it was done in favor of greater control, leading to a 1.1 walk per nine inning average. By pounding the strike zone, he’s made himself a more complete pitcher.

Urena, unlike Nicolino has never relied on strikeouts to manufacture outs.  He’s never averaged more than 7.2 strikeouts per nine innings at any level and as a result, it was questionable whether he would remain a starter.  He’s quickly proven those doubts false, going 13-8 with a 3.33 ERA and 121 strikeouts in 25 starts in Double-A.  He also struck out 18 percent of hitters and finished the season strong earning a 2.09 ERA with 52 strikeouts in his last ten starts.

Marlins Pitcher Jose Urena

Urena’s slider and change-up have evolved over the past two years, which along with his fastball potentially gives him three plus pitches in his arsenal.  With his fastball in the mid-90s, Urena utilizes his breaking ball to keep hitters off balance.  Perhaps most importantly, Urena has above average command.  At 23 with a 4.5 percent walk percentage and an excellent 4.17 strikeout per nine innings average, he’s at the very least a potential bullpen option once he reaches the big leagues.

With loads of potential, Nicolino or Urena could be promoted to the majors when rosters expand in September.  The good news for Miami is that they have the rotation depth to be patient with their top prospects.  Although both pitchers may have the talent to be in the majors before then, the Marlins are planning for the long-term, when they could have one of the best young rotations in baseball.