The Miami Marlins received another strong start in their 1-0 win over the St. Louis Cardinals on Saturday.
With the fifth spot in the starting rotation still up for grabs, the competition has heated up in recent days. Just one day after Jose Urena and Adam Conley helped their chances of winning the job, Justin Nicolino had a big game as well.
Nicolino went five scoreless innings in the start on Saturday. The lefty walked one, gave up three hits and struck out three. The rotation decision could come down to the final days of the Grapefruit League schedule, and all three men remain in the mix. There is a possibility that one or two of the pitchers ends up in the bullpen as a reliever as well to begin the season.
After Nicolino exited, Miami's relievers combined for another four shutout innings. Brad Ziegler, A.J. Ramos, Kelvin Marte and Javy Guerra each saw time in the win. Marte and Guerra remain unlikely to win roster spots for Opening Day, but could serve as depth in AAA.
Giancarlo Stanton and Christian Yelich returned to the lineup, and had a few at-bats each. Both men played in the recent World Baseball Classic, and appear ready for the regular season. Yelich went 1-3 with a run scored, while Stanton was 1-2 with a walk.
The Marlins and Cardinals will be right back at it on Sunday at 1:05 p.m.
