NL East News: Marlins move O’Grady to bullpen

The Marlins will now use pitcher Chris O’Grady out of the bullpen. The lefty was recently activated from the disabled list after missing over a month due to a strained oblique.

As a starter, O’Grady pitched a 5.47 ERA over 26.1 innings, recording 26 strikeouts and a 1.56 WHIP. While those are hard numbers to look at, it appears the bullpen is already paying off for the 27-year old. Coming out to face the Mets in the ninth, he allowed a walk and a hit but shut down both lefty batters he faced. Coupled with the improvement on his cutter, O’Grady’s latest role could prove promising.

Here’s what other news and rumors are floating around the National League East:

• Bryce Harper is 100% grinding for his soon return to baseball.
• Which managerial direction should the Braves take in 2018?
• How many “on base machines” do the Phillies have?
• Sandy Alderson is likely to return to Queen, however Terry Collins seems to be in his last season with the Mets.
• What could the infield look like in 2018 for the Marlins?
• The Braves officially have a new spring training home.
• Victor Robles is still a possibility for the Nationals’ post season roster.
• Can Rhys Hoskins be Rookie of the Year runner-up?
• Since it’s never too early to think about the future, what’s the best way to improve the Phillies’ pitching staff for 2018? Better yet, what is a “good pitcher”?
• Martin Prado's comeback by the end of the season is now in jeopardy.
• The Braves will have several roster questions to answer this offseason. What will their 40-man look like come April?