Nicolino bolsters case for rotation spot next season as Marlins top Braves 7-1
The Marlins are hoping to strengthen their rotation by acquiring one or two pitchers, either through trade or free agent signing, over the offseason.
Justin Nicolino is providing them with an in-house option.
The rookie left-hander, who could vie for a rotation spot in 2016, made a strong statement Tuesday as to why he belongs when he shut out the Braves over seven innings in the Marlins’ 7-1 victory.
“That’s big for him,” said manager Dan Jennings. “As we’ve said before, this is somewhat of an audition for the young pitchers, and the guys that are stepping up and taking advantage of the opportunities will certainly be the frontrunners going into 2016.”
Nicolino improved to 2-1 with a 3.07 ERA in seven starts.
The Braves, who were shutout on Monday, didn’t get on the board until the eighth on A.J. Pierzynski’s RBI single off reliever Erik Cordier.
Nicolino avoided damage in the first and third innings, the latter when the Braves loaded the bases with two outs but failed to score.
“I started off a little shaky,” Nicolino said. “The command of the fastball wasn’t where it needed it to be. But I made a few pitches where the defense picked me up.”
Justin Bour smashed his 15th home run, Cole Gillespie drove in two runs, and everyone in the lineup except Adeiny Hechavarria collected at least one base hit.
▪ Giancarlo Stanton might not be ready to return to the Marlins on Friday after all. After going 0 for 2 with a walk for Single A Jupiter on Tuesday in his first rehab game since going on the disabled list, Stanton took himself out of the game after making three plate appearances, complaining of soreness in his wrist.
▪ Jarred Cosart (vertigo) had another shaky rehab outing Tuesday when he gave up three runs in four innings for Jupiter. Cosart allowed five hits and a pair of walks.
Comng up
▪ Wednesday: Marlins LHP Adam Conley (2-1, 4.96) at Atlanta Braves (to be announced), 12:10 p.m., Turner Field.
▪ Thursday: Off day
This story was originally published September 1, 2015 at 10:50 PM with the headline "Nicolino bolsters case for rotation spot next season as Marlins top Braves 7-1."