The Miami Marlins placed recent acquisition Richard Bleier on the injured list with a “mild strain in his elbow in his elbow bicep”, per MLB Network contributor Craig Mish (via Twitter). In corresponding moves, the Marlins selected the contract of Pat Venditte, the switch-pitcher recently brought to camp. Humberto Mejia has been optioned to the alternate site. Lefty Brian Moran has been put back on the active roster, per Mish.
Bleier made three appearances with the Fish since coming over via trade from the Orioles. He allowed 1 run on 1 hit in 1 1/3 innings. The 33-year-old southpaw didn’t make his big league debut until 2016 as a 29-year-old. In the 4+ seasons since, he has mustered a respectable 3.02 ERA/3.73 FIP across 169 appearances (179 innings) for the Yankees, Orioles, and Marlins.
Venditte got into a game for the first time in 2020 tonight, but he previously appeared in parts of four seasons for the A’s, Blue Jays, Mariners, Dodgers, and Giants. Venditte’s gimmick is well-known throughout baseball as an ambidextrous pitcher, but he’s struggled on the whole as a major leaguer. In 58 appearances, Venditte owns a 5.03 ERA/5.04 FIP, though the 35-year-old continues to see opportunities. To his credit, he also continues to post solid numbers in Triple-A, including a 2.85 ERA across 47 1/3 innings with the Giants’ Triple-A affiliate in 2019.
Mejia, 23, will no doubt find his way back to the majors after a fine debut. The Panamanian right-hander started one game as an extended opener, going 2 1/3 innings and allowing just one earned run while striking out six. In a year of unprecedented roster moves, it’s a safe bet that Mejia will find his way back to the show at some point in 2020.
Last but not least, Moran, 31, made his major-league debut as a 30-year-old with the Marlins last season. He appeared in 10 games going 6 1/3 innings with a 4.26 ERA/4.00 FIP. The lefty hurler notably made MLB history by striking out his younger brother Colin Moran in the first-ever brother-brother showdown. He signed with the Blue Jays this offseason after the Marlins made him a free agent, only to be claimed off waivers last week.
First ever brother against brother? Seems hard to believe!
He was the first to ever do it in his major league debut.
Struck out his brother for his first K
It’s true, it was reported last year when it occurred:
“Brian Moran made his big league debut as a relief pitcher for the Miami Marlins. Brian is a 30-year-old left-hander who spent 10 seasons in the minor leagues.
Colin was the second batter that Brian faced. The sibling battle presented a scenario that hasn’t happened in an MLB game since 1900.
According to the Elias Sports Bureau, it’s been over 119 years since two brothers have faced off in a pitcher-vs-batter scenario.”
Although, on second thought, it does seem like famous brother players were both pitchers or both hitters.
Alous, Pedro/Ramon Martinez, Dimaggios. Did Ken Brett never face George Brett?
Colby and Cory Rasmus
Ken Brett faced George 20 times.
Humberto may pitch in the World Series this year. Marlins vs. Twins.
Phil and Joe Niekro
Hi TC,
Can you remove one of the “in his elbow? You put it twice in this sentence.
The Miami Marlins placed recent acquisition Richard Bleier on the injured list with a “mild strain “in his elbow” in his elbow bicep”, per MLB Network contributor Craig Mish.
Thanks!