Urena in a winning groove

Hard thrower improves control of change-up, slider, Mattingly says.

MIAMI — For a pitcher who didn’t make the Marlins’ rotation out of spring training, Jose Urena is proving to be one of its best options.

Urena, who has struggled to find consistency during his brief major league career, fluctuating between starting and relief roles, won his fifth consecutive decision Friday night — the longest such streak for a Marlins starter since Jose Fernandez put together eight consecutive wins last season.

“Every start builds up my confidence,” Urena said. “One has to believe they belong up here and has what it takes to succeed.”

Urena is 6-2 with a 3.60 ERA in 10 starts and has a 3.33 ERA if you add in six relief appearances prior to his transition to the rotation on May 7.

Urena surpassed his win total for his career as a starter over that span. He entered this season with a 4-13 record and a 5.33 ERA in 21 previous starts.

And in Urena’s only two losses, he gave up a combined three earned runs over 11 ⅔ innings.

The Marlins are 6-1 over his past seven starts, during which Urena has not lost. Fernandez won eight decisions in a row from April 28-June 5 of last year.

Urena was known for his ability to throw two-seam and four-seam fastballs consistently near 95-96 mph, and now his command and execution of his change-up and slider have made Urena more effective and allowed him to keep hitters guessing.

“I think you see a guy who’s pitching more,” manager Don Mattingly said. “We know the power’s there. He’s using his change-up. He’s using his slider.

“It at least makes you think as a hitter.”

Urena, who has a 3.62 ERA in June, cooled off a Cubs lineup Friday that had punished the Marlins for 11 runs the previous game, pitching six scoreless innings and allowing five hits.

Urena has avoided allowing big innings over his past four starts. Urena allowed two runners to reach base after recording two outs in three consecutive innings Friday, but each time escaped trouble without allowing a run.

“As long as I keep the ball low in the strike zone, I’ll keep having success,” Urena said.

Injury update: Mattingly said shortstop Adeiny Hechavarria (oblique) could be ready to return to action by Tuesday. But what uniform he wears remained a question as of Saturday.

Hechavarria continued to be the subject of trade speculation as at least three teams, including the Cardinals and Rays, were rumored to be interested in acquiring the former Gold Glove finalist who has played in only 20 games this season.