The Miami Marlins made a change to their bullpen on Sunday when they replaced Dustin McGowan with Kyle Barraclough.
Miami's bullpen has been largely inconsistent this year and responsible for multiple blown leads. While McGowan had not pitched terribly, he had made little impact and evidently become replaceable. McGowan was designated for assignment meaning he could end up leaving the organization.
In six games with the Marlins, McGowan ended up allowing a pair of runs on six hits and also walked two. The right-hander pitched well in his final appearance during Saturday's loss to the Atlanta Braves. Miami used its bullpen a lot in the loss, and likely needed a fresh arm for Sunday's finale.
Barraclough is an intriguing arm for Miami's bullpen as he offers the ability to finish games. The righty has an electric fastball and was off to a solid start in AAA New Orleans. In three games so far, Barraclough had nine strikeouts across six innings. Barraclough only allowed one run on two hits and walked one this season.
Last season Barraclough played in 25 games with Miami and struck out 30 hitters in 24.1 innings pitched. With some closing experience in the minor leagues, Barraclough could end up pitching in a set-up role with the Marlins. Miami is lacking back-end up options since losing Carter Capps to Tommy John surgery.
Barraclough is expected to be in uniform and available for Sunday's game against the Braves. The Marlins are trying to avoid a sweep at the hands of a team that entered Miami at 0-9.
