The Marlins released pitcher Seth McClung, according to the team. McClung allowed nine hits and nine earned runs in six spring appearances, and was unable to secure a bullpen job.
The Marlins signed the 29-year-old McClung to a minor league deal in February. He'd been non-tendered by the Brewers after posting a 4.94 ERA, 5.8 K/9, and 5.7 BB/9 in 62 innings. McClung's chief asset remains his fastball, which typically sits around 93.
Tim Wood and Rick VandenHurk are competing for the Marlins' last bullpen job. MLB.com's Joe Frisaro speculated yesterday that Leo Nunez, Brian Sanches, Jose Veras, Burke Badenhop, Renyel Pinto, and Dan Meyer would take the other spots.
This is the time of year in Spring Training where many MLB careers come to a quiet ending. Such might be the case for McClung unless he wants to toil in minor league or independent league ball for a couple of years.
He gave it a good run, now it’s time for the rest of his life’s work. Good luck, Seth.
Whatever happens, the Marlins still get the award for best Spring Training invites.
People say that spring training numbers mean nothing, but try telling that to the guys on the bubble trying to make a roster spot. It’s a shame a guy like McClung can’t make the team, but he had to prove himself and I guess they felt he wasn’t good enough.
With the right mental training I believe McClung could have realized his potential and made the team. I’ve worked with the “inexplicable” that disconnects even the best player from his mechanics and confidence beginning with benefiting Steve Sax’ errant throwing in ’83. Shawn Green came out of spring training with the Mets in 2007 hititng 148. After we addressed it he went to the top ten hitters for the first 2 months that year in the National League. McClung has the same potential when addressed in the same manner.