Marlins announce 25 non-roster invitees to upcoming spring training
The Miami Marlins announced Monday afternoon that 25 non-roster players received invitations to spring training.
Fifteen signed minor-league free-agent contracts: right-handers Ryan Chaffee, Nick Masset, Vin Mazzaro and Ryan Reid, left-handers Pat Misch, Chris Narveson and Pat Urckfitz, catchers Vinny Rottino and Jhonatan Solano, infielders Reid Brignac, Don Kelly and Scott Sizemore and outfielders Tyler Colvin, Cole Gillespie and Kenny Wilson.
Solano is the older brother of infielder Donovan Solano. As a backup in the Washington Nationals organization, he appeared in 36 games, batting .217 with two homers and eight RBI. In 2010, Colvin was hit in the chest with a shard from a broken bat when scoring on a double against the Marlins as a member of the Chicago Cubs. It punctured his lung. Colvin missed the remainder of the season. Over six major league seasons, he has played in 441 games, posting a .239 average with 49 home runs and 178 RBI.
Ten organizational players will also participate in big-league camp in Jupiter: right-handers Brian Ellington, Trevor Williams and Nick Wittgren, catcher Sharif Othman, infielders Justin Bohn, Austin Nola, Avery Romero, Viosergy Rosa and Jordany Valdespin and outfielder Austin Wates.
Wittgren has 59 saves over three minor league seasons, locking down 20 games for Double-A Jacksonville in 2014. Bohn hit .328, tied for the third-highest average, in the Arizona Fall League. Valdespin, who has spent parts of three years in the big leagues, signed a minor-league deal last offseason. He made his Marlins debut July 19. In 52 games, he batted .214 with three home runs and 10 RBI. Miami acquired Wates at the trade deadline from the Houston Astros.
Last year, two non-roster players made the Opening Day roster: fourth outfielder Reed Johnson and long reliever Kevin Slowey.
This season, pitchers and catchers report Feb. 20, with the first full-squad workout set four days later.
You can follow Christina De Nicola on Twitter @CDeNicola13 or email her at cdenicola13@gmail.com.
