Atlanta Braves Bullpun Revolves Again: Marimon Recalled

Apr 18, 2015; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Atlanta Braves pitcher Sugar Ray Marimo. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports

The Atlanta Braves have reported yet another roster move today:

This is interesting for a couple of reasons, but first let’s get to the initial “why?” question.

The bullpen, such as it is, has seen a lot of work over the past couple of days.  That includes the fact that tonight’s starter – Williams Perez – did a 1-inning stint to save Saturday’s game.  Between that and Mike Foltynewicz‘ short outing yesterday, the team needs a fresh arm.

Enter Sugar Ray Marimon.

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Admittedly, with 45 minor-league innings plus 7 in the majors, “fresh” is a relative term.  But over the past several weeks, he has been used as a starting pitcher, and his last appearance was on June 10, so he’s ready to go multiple innings should Perez need to bow out early.

Lately, Marimon has been up-and-down at Gwinnett:  4 earned runs on June 10, 1 each on May 27 and June 5, then 7 in an ugly start on May 22.  But this is about innings and saving whatever is left of the porous pen that Atlanta is working with at the moment.

Marimon’s first major league work came earlier in the year.  4 outings, with only the last one actually being good.  He gave up runs in three outings (though his debut was a pair of runs over 4 innings), adding up to a 6.14 ERA with 4 walks, 5 K in 7.1 innings.

So for those clamoring for Ryan Kelly (0.00 in 8.1 innings, 3 walks, 5 K) or Ryan Weber (0.00 in 15.2 innings, 2 walks and 5 K), then you’re just going to have to sit and wait a bit longer.  This is about trying to give some tired arms a breather, and truly could be just temporary.  Since the departures of Cody Martin and Trevor Cahill, this bullpen has not had a “long man.”

Additionally, Marimon was already on the 40-man roster, and thus was the safe pick for personnel purposes.

Other Issues

The corresponding move made was not a pitcher, but instead a position player.  You might have guessed Pedro Ciriaco, who hasn’t held a bat in over a week, and you’d have been wrong.

Instead, it’s Todd Cunningham, who has been slumping since his initial outburst:  he’s now down to .239 overall and .226 in June.  His playing time was already in flux thanks to the return of Kelly Johnson, and this more-or-less makes that official.

So the next obvious question is “who backs up Cameron Maybin in center field?”  Here’s your answer:

That’s right:  he’s it until Philip Gosselin can return to action (which is still a few weeks out).  But this demotion comes with a price.  Unless someone is injured, Cunningham can’t come back up for at least 10 AAA games.  So while Marimon could just be a temporary supportive shoulder/arm to lean on, Cunningham is gone for at least a couple of weeks, depending on other factors that might crop up.

The Upshot

So:  does this move help the Braves?  Maybe.

It at least provides a long man “just in case”.  There’s benefit to resting the bullpen, though they will still have to pitch better – clearly.  This idea of giving up runs in bunches has been nutty… and needs to change from within, for the bullpen bushes have been beaten until the leaves are shredded, and the cupboards are bare around the league.

We have a few marginal options still available at Gwinnett, but as with everything, these resources must be used carefully due to roster considerations.

But for now, expect a Ciriaco sighting or two over the next several days, plus a bit of Sugar to go with that.

Next: Bethancourt Optioned; Lavarnway Recalled to Catch