Marlins option Jose Urena to Triple-A New Orleans, select Zephyrs' Nick Masset
The Miami Marlins made a couple of moves to alleviate an overtaxed bullpen prior to Tuesday's opener in Philadelphia against the Phillies.
Miami optioned rookie right-hander Jose Urena to Triple-A New Orleans, while selecting the contract of right-handed reliever Nick Masset of the Zephyrs.
Urena, one of the organization's top prospects, made two appearances over the course of a week during his first call-up. He tossed a scoreless frame in his debut on Tuesday against the Atlanta Braves and allowed three runs on three hits over two innings against the New York Mets on Saturday.
By sending him down, Urena can go back to the rotation and get regular work in. The 23-year-old has started 104 of his 123 games in the minors.
Masset, a seven-year veteran of the big leagues, was a non-roster invitee this spring training. He went 1-1 with a 7.36 ERA in nine outings, surrendering 10 runs (nine earned) on 11 hits over 11 innings.
The 32-year-old, who has played for the Texas Rangers, Chicago White Sox, Cincinnati Reds and Colorado Rockies, posted a 1.50 ERA in five games with the Zephyrs. In six innings, he permitted just one run on three hits with no walks and three strikeouts.
The Marlins have not had a quality outing from a starting pitcher since last Wednesday. The bullpen, as a result, ranks sixth in the majors (second in the National League) with 47 2/3 innings pitched.
With Henderson Alvarez on the disabled list with right shoulder and elbow inflammation, long reliever David Phelps has taken over his spot in the rotation. Miami is last in baseball with a 5.10 ERA.
In order to make space on the 40-man roster for Masset, the Marlins designated lefty Matt Tracy for assignment. Miami claimed him over the weekend from the New York Yankees.
You can follow Christina De Nicola on Twitter @CDeNicola13 or email her at cdenicola13@gmail.com.
