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The Miami Marlins have reportedly released right-handed reliever Carlos Marmol. The 31-year-old was designated for assignment last week, and passed through waivers unclaimed, prompting his release.
Marmol joined Miami on a one-year, $1.25 million deal back in February, however, results were disastrous. In just 13.1 innings with the Marlins, the former All-Star allowed 12 runs (8.10 ERA), struck out 14 batters (9.5 K/9), and issued 10 walks (6.8 BB/9).
Marmol was once regarded as one of the best closers in the game, with electric stuff that included a wipeout slider. He posted absurd strikeout rates throughout his career (11.6 K/9), but has always had tremendous control issues (6.2 BB/9). Marmol's heyday came in the late 2000's and early 2010's as the Cubs' closer. From 2007 to 2012, Marmol averaged a 2.90 ERA (150 ERA+) with 102 strikeouts (12.6 K/9), 48 walks (5.9 BB/9), and 19 saves in 73 innings. Arguably his best season came in 2010 when he recorded 38 saves, a 2.8 WAR, and a 2.55 ERA (2.01 FIP) with an outrageous 138 strikeouts in 77.2 innings pitched (16.0 K/9).
Marmol's stuff has declined significantly over the past two years, and he quickly fell out of favor in the Cubs' organization. In early November of 2012, Marmol was nearly dealt to the Angels for Dan Haren, however, the deal was called off due to question marks surrounding Haren's health. Last summer, Chicago finally unloaded Marmol, dealing him to the Dodgers for Matt Guerrier in July.
While his future looks bleak, Marmol's career probably isn't over just yet. He'll likely catch on with another organization via a minor league deal in the coming weeks.
To replace Marmol on the active roster, the Marlins called up flamethrowing reliever Henry Rodriguez. Rodriguez pitched in two games during a prior stint with Miami earlier this season, allowing two runs on five walks and two hits. He owns a 4.31 ERA (4.10 FIP) in 150 career appearances with the Athletics, Nationals, Cubs, and Marlins, and has a 3.26 ERA in 19.1 innings with the Triple-A New Orleans Zephyrs this season.