The Marlins are in agreement with reliever Zach Pop on a minor league contract, according to the MLB.com transaction log. He’ll report to Triple-A Jacksonville.
Pop signed a big league deal with the Phillies over the winter. He broke camp and made seven appearances over the first couple weeks, allowing three runs through 7 1/3 innings. Pop sustained a right calf strain on April 13 and spent the next few weeks on the injured list. Philadelphia decided not to put him back on the MLB roster once he was healthy, and because he’s out of minor league options, they needed to designate him for assignment.
After clearing waivers, Pop elected free agency last week. He now returns to Miami, where he began his MLB career as a Rule 5 pick in 2021. Pop pitched parts of two seasons with the Fish, posting an earned run average just under 4.00 across 74 2/3 innings. They traded him to the Blue Jays at the 2022 deadline.
Pop has since spent time with the Mariners and Mets in addition to his brief run in Philly. He has a lifetime 4.83 ERA over 169 2/3 frames. Pop gets a lot of ground-balls but doesn’t miss many bats, as he leads with a 96.2 mph sinker.
I know it’s a minor league signing, but of course the Marlins are the type of team to sign him
Pop is certainly as serviceable as Lake Bacher. Can’t have too many dudes like this on the roster.
You just knew he would Pop up somewhere.
Just have to hope his elbow doesn’t go snap crackle and pop.