Heath Bell Struggling With Miami Marlins, Could Lose Closer Role
If you’re wondering what the heck is wrong with Heath Bell, you’re not alone. The Miami Marlins closer’s struggles have even his 14-year-old daughter sounding like a concerned fantasy baseball owner.
“My daughter has called me up and asked me, ‘Dad, is your arm hurt? I’m like, ‘No.’ She goes, ‘what’s wrong? You’re usually really good.’ “
That quote was from Marlins beat writer Juan C. Rodriguez’s article on Tuesday. Things haven’t gotten any better for Bell.
Last night, Bell made his first appearance at Petco Park since leaving the San Diego Padres and blew the save, giving up a run on two hits and a pair of walks. The Marlins eventually won the game on an Omar Infante double in the 12th inning.
In his first 11 appearances with the Marlins, Bell has given up 11 earned runs and 10 walks. He enters the weekend with a 11.42 ERA and 2.88 WHIP. Not what Miami expected when the signed him to a three-year, $27 million contract this winter.
A few days in San Diego can do a lot for anybody, but this should be a particularly therapeutic road trip for Bell, who pitched for the Padres for five years and still lives in San Diego with his wife and four kids. Maybe last night’s blown save at won’t weight on him so heavily with his family there to distract him from baseball.
At 12-14, the Marlins are in last place in the suddenly ultra-competitive National League East. A series against the worst team in the NL could be just what the doctor ordered for Miami, however, as the Padres are off to an ugly 9-18 start.
Marlins manager Ozzie Guillen didn’t exactly give his closer a vote of confidence today.
”Bell continues to struggle. We’ll check (Saturday) to see about the situation. We have to do something about it. We can’t be waiting anymore.”
