The Miami Marlins traded former closer Steve Cishek to the St. Louis Cardinals on Friday for a minor league pitcher.
The Marlins will be getting back Kyle Barraclough from Double-A as part of the deal. Barraclough is a closer who has 12 saves this season. The 25-year old was a seventh round draft pick in 2012, and has never played above AA. Miami has assigned Barraclough to its own AA affiliate in Jacksonville.
Cishek began the season as Miami's closer on one of the richest deals on the team. After an excellent campaign in 2014, the Marlins had high hopes for Cishek to continue that success. The story however was different when Cishek struggled to lock down games. After a series of blown saves, Cishek lost his job and eventually his roster spot.
Since returning from the minor leagues, Cishek has posted improved numbers. The right-hander has been unable to reclaim his job however, as A.J. Ramos has filled in admirably in the closers role. Ramos who is rumored to be sought after as well, has been reliable and consistent in finishing games.
In terms of nostalgia, this is a relatively big deal for the Marlins. Cishek was a member of the last Florida Marlins team in 2011. The former closer has had several big moments as a professional, and is still young enough to reclaim his old form.
In a corresponding move, the Marlins recalled Andre Rienzo from AAA. The reliever will replace Cishek on the roster and in the bullpen.
