Washington Nationals
The contending Marlins go into buy mode and trade for a veteran closer
Washington Nationals

The contending Marlins go into buy mode and trade for a veteran closer

Published Jun. 30, 2016 4:06 p.m. ET

There won't be any fire sales this summer for the Miami Marlins. Well, at least not yet.

The second-place Marlins acquired closer Fernando Rodney on Thursday from the San Diego Padres.

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Rodney, 39, is enjoying a remarkable bounce-back season after posting a 4.74 ERA in 2015 and not signing this past offseason until just before spring training. In 28 appearances this year, he has a 0.31 ERA, a 0.87 WHIP, 17 saves and 33 strikeouts in 28 2/3 innings.

Rodney has 253 career saves and four seasons of 35-plus saves. But he might have to accept a setup role in Miami, at least initially. He joins a Marlins bullpen that sports a 3.78 ERA and features a 24-save stopper in A.J. Ramos and solid setup men in David Phelps and Kyle Barraclough.

The Marlins are seeking their first postseason appearance since 2003, when they won their second World Series. They are 5 ½ games behind the first-place Washington Nationals in the NL East but currently lead the race for the second NL wild card.

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