Jose Fernandez Could Join Miami Marlins Rotation In 2013

Peter G. Aiken-US PRESSWIRE

The Miami Marlins are having some serious rotation problems this season as well as the bullpen. However, there could be help on the way as one of the organization’s top pitching prospects in Jose Fernandez could join the rotation at some point in the 2013 season, according to Joe Capozzi of The Palm Beach Post.

Wednesday night Fernandez has helped the Jupiter Hammerheads to possibly win the Florida State League championship. His rapid development in the minor leagues has Marlins’ executives talking about the big leagues for Fernandez within the next spring training. Fernandez is slated to start the 2013 season at the Double-A level in Jacksonville but if he continues striking out batters the way he did in the South Atlantic League and Florida State League, it could mean a rotation spot.

Fernandez will be turning 21 and the team knows not to rush him to the majors. He needs more experience and seasoning before he has the potential of striking out batters with his 98 mph fastball that has been raved about in the minor leagues.

This season Fernandez has gone 14-1 combined with Jupiter and the Greensboro Grasshoppers. He has an ERA of 1.75 and has struck out 158 batters. He has a 10.6 K/9 ratio and 6.0 H/9 ratio. Fernandez is quickly becoming the most exciting pitcher in the Marlins organization since Josh Beckett.

Beckett debuted with the Marlins when he was only 20-years-old and turned out to be the 2003 World Series MVP when the team defeated the New York Yankees.

Fernandez is scheduled to start the offseason working in Tampa with Jose Contreras and Rolando Arrojo. Both, like Fernandez, are native Cubans.

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