If Carlos Marmol needs to play in a competitive team in order to pitch effectively, then the Los Angeles Dodgers might be well on their way to receiving one hell of a bargain. Marmol, who was designated for assignment by the Chicago Cubs earlier in the year, receives a second chance on Tuesday as the Dodgers called him up to join their MLB roster.
After only five appearances in Chattanooga, the Dodgers' Double-A affiliate, Los Angeles feels that Marmol is ready for a second chance in the big leagues. The Dodgers have made it clear that they are seeking bullpen help, but rather than acquiring a player on the trade market, they seem to be taking the inexpensive way out as they will test the waters with one of the year's worst relievers.
Marmol appeared to have lost it all while with the Cubs. He blew three saves, going 2-4 with a 5.86 ERA in 31 appearances in 2013. The season started poorly for Marmol after the Upton Brothers went deep in the bottom of the ninth on April 6 to complete the come from behind victory and end things with a walk-off. It looked something like this:
From then on, Marmol was only able to save one more game, totaling two in the season. Long were the memories of Marmol as a dominant closer, the Dominican that once upon a time saved 38 games back in 2010.
The Dodgers are in need of bullpen help. Though the Milwaukee Brewers' Francisco Rodriguez manew a lot more sense since he can also close games if necessary, the Dodgers are making a statement by giving Marmol a chance. In fact, it's a wise move. In case Marmol struggles, the Dodgers would still have enough time to go after relief pitching before the Trade Deadline is up in a little over a week.
Marmol is coming off two innings of almost perfect baseball where he only walked one batter and struck out two.
