Phelps to remain in Marlins’ bullpen

MIAMI — Questions remain as the Marlins go about assembling what they hope becomes a “super bullpen.” The team continues to search for experienced relievers. But after missing out on signing either Aroldis Chapman or Kenley Jansen, the organization has made one thing clear regarding a returning player — David Phelps will remain in the ‘pen.

How best to use Phelps, one of the team’s best overall pitchers in 2016, has been up in the air. The 30-year-old right-hander offers plenty of versatility, because he has been a starter and a reliever.

“We feel like he can affect more games out of the ‘pen,” manager Don Mattingly said. “He gives us — I don’t want to say poor man’s — but an Andrew Miller-type [reliever]. He’s a guy that can close a game out for you. He can pitch in the eighth, multiple innings.”

In 2016, Phelps was 7-6 with a 2.28 ERA in 64 games (five starts). He struck out 114 and held opponents to a batting average of .197 over 86 2/3 innings.

The Marlins continue to explore starting-pitching options, but they do have a starting five after signing free-agent left-hander Jeff Locke at the Winter Meetings. Earlier in the month, right-hander Edinson Volquez signed for two years. Those two additions free Phelps to stay in the …

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