Marlins ink MLB reliever to minor league contract.
The Miami Marlins are undergoing some changes, with A.J. Puk slated (and possibly Ryan Weathers) to transition to the starting rotation for the 2024 season instead of the bullpen. Additionally, Edward Cabrera exited today’s game due to “right shoulder tightness,” prompting the Marlins to seek additional pitching options for their camp.
In steps Mychal Givens. Miami has reached an agreement with the 33-year-old right-handed pitcher on a minor league contract, extending an invitation to spring training. However, the deal remains pending until Givens undergoes and passes a physical examination.
Givens, who played for the Orioles last season, faced health issues during the previous season, missing a significant portion of the 2023 season due to separate stints on the injured list for knee inflammation (52 days) and shoulder inflammation (73 days). He appeared in only six games, pitching four innings and conceding six runs (five earned).
Nevertheless, prior to the 2023 season, during which he earned $5 million from the Orioles between his salary and the buyout of his mutual option, Givens proved to be an effective medium-leverage pitcher. Across the 2022 and 2021 seasons, spanning four different teams due to mid-season trades in both years, he posted a 3.36 ERA over 113 appearances, striking out 125 batters in 112.1 innings.
If Givens can regain his health and prepare for the upcoming season by Opening Day, his addition provides Miami with the flexibility to move Weathers into the starting rotation until Max Meyer (recovering from Tommy John surgery) and Braxton Garrett (dealing with shoulder issues) are ready to assume starting roles.
Moreover, it bolsters the Marlins’ rotation depth, potentially allowing Bryan Hoeing and Darren McCaughan to secure spots in the bullpen as long-relief/swingman options, particularly if Sixto Sanchez isn’t prepared for major league innings.
