Sun Sentinel Palm Beach Edition
Chen will open season in bullpen
Struggling longtime starter making way for youngsters
JUPITER — One of the contenders to open the season in the starting rotation, Wei-Yin Chen will instead be transitioning to a reliever role.
On Sunday, Miami Marlins manager Don Mattingly announced that the 33-year-old left-hander will be in the bullpen when Miami opens the regular season on Thursday against the Colorado Rockies. Chen has struggled throughout spring training, posting a 9.37 ERA, 1.71 WHIP and .375 opposing batting average in five outings, four of which were starts.
The veteran will earn $20 million and $22 million, respectively, over the next two seasons.
Chen’s best outing this spring came out of the bullpen when he tossed four scoreless
innings, allowing just one hit, against the Washington Nationals on Mar. 9.
“We think he’s going to be a good asset out there,” Mattingly said. “He’s pitched a couple of times out of the pen for us when he had, had the arm injury and [was] really good. We’ve like the times we’ve, bring him into the game here he’s been aggressive.
“We think there’s a possibility of some length, using him that way. Also that fact of the matter he’s been really good against lefties. So another situational thing depending on what part of the game you’re in and really what situation your bullpen’s in.”
With six other pitchers competing for the Marlins starting rotation — including four players coming off rookie seasons — and the team rebuilding, Chen doesn’t fit into Miami’s long-term plans. Last season, Chen posted a 4.79 ERA and 1.34 WHIP in 26 starts.
A longtime starter, Chen doesn’t have much history with coming out of the bullpen. Of his 174 career appearances, only four of them have come in relief.
“Given the choice, I’d like to be a starter for the Marlins, because starting is what I’ve always been doing,” Chen said. “It’s more natural and comfortable for me. But, of course, I’m in the bullpen and I’ll try to make the best the decision and I will not let it affect me mentally. I will look to fit into that role and help the team as much as possible.
“I wouldn’t change anything because I’m in the bullpen. As a pitcher, you just do what you need to do, and stick to your routine. I won’t change any gameplan, or try to throw harder just because I’m in the bullpen.”
Miami’s starting pitching has been consistently strong through camp, highlighted by the young arms — Pablo Lopez, Trevor Richards, Sandy Alcantara and Caleb Smith. With veterans Jose Urena and Dan Straily also slotted for the rotation, Miami president of baseball operations Michael Hill said all of the starters will be on the Opening Day roster as of now.
While Urena is scheduled to pitch on Opening Day, the Marlins haven’t announced the starting rotation. yet. Hill said the team will likely do that on Thursday.
“Our pitching is probably as deep as it has been in my time here,” Hill said. “That’s a good thing. The competition has been good.”
The Marlins are still monitoring the health of Smith, who missed the second half of 2018 with season-ending shoulder surgery. The left-hander has been healthy throughout camp and looked impressive, but Miami wants to be cautious in not overworking him too soon.
Hill said Smith could potentially start the season on the injured list.
“From a health standpoint we’re completely pleased from where he and the build up we were able to do with him on the back fields even before he appeared in games,” Hill said. “It will come down to our determination if he’s sharp enough and if he can compete on an everyday fiveday basis.”
The Marlins are also dealing with a bullpen injury as reliever Riley Ferrell is dealing with bicep tendinitis. The right-hander, who was acquired from the Houston Astros in the Rule 5 draft, has been shut down for the rest of spring.
If Ferrell doesn’t start the season on the MLB roster, the Marlins will have to place him on the injured list or be forced to return him to Houston, per Rule 5 requirements. Relievers Tyler Kinley and Nick Anderson would be in play for the final bullpen spot if Ferrell goes on the injured list.