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Marlins Put Star Pitching Prospect Into Rotation

MIAMI (CBSMiami) – The Miami Marlins had hoped to keep hard-throwing right-handed pitcher Jose Fernandez in the minor leagues for a little more work. But a wild chain of events and roster transactions on Sunday led the Fish to keep the rookie pitcher on the team's major league roster.

Fernandez is the highest-ranked Marlins prospect across most publications that look at minor league talent. The right-handed phenom dominated in the minor leagues last year with a 14-1 record, 1.75 ERA, and 158 strikeouts to 34 walks.

He had been sent down to Double-A ball to start with the team, but Fernandez will step into the pitching rotation and make his first start above Class A ball on April 7 against the New York Mets.

The Marlins needed Fernandez in the rotation because starters Nathan Eovaldi and Henderson Alvarez were both placed on the 15-day disabled list. Eovaldi was originally supposed to pitch Wednesday against Washington.

In addition to the moves sending Eovaldi and Alvarez to the 15-day disabled list, the Marlins sent right-handed pitcher Jose Ceda, infielder Logan Morrison, and outfielder Alfredo Silverio to the 60-day disabled list.

Still, the focus is on Fernandez and watching his development throughout the season. According to CBS4 news partner the Miami Herald, Fernandez will be put on a strict limit of 150-170 innings this season to protect his arm and he will be limited to a number of innings and pitches through each game.

The Marlins are hoping Fernandez can improve and take over as the team's ace and that Jacob Turner and Eovaldi can round into quality second and third starters in the next couple of years.

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