Marlins face decision on out-of-options Urena

MIAMI — When pitchers and catchers report to Spring Training on Feb. 14 in Jupiter, Fla., the Marlins won’t have many pitching vacancies. Injuries and performance will obviously factor into how the Opening Day roster ultimately looks, but as of now, five rotation and six bullpen spots appear set.

That leaves one or maybe two places in the ‘pen open. It also means Miami has to make a tough decision regarding Jose Urena.

Urena, who has bounced back and forth between Triple-A New Orleans and the big leagues the past two years, is out of options. That means if he doesn’t make the Opening Day roster, the Marlins risk losing the 25-year-old right-hander if he is designated for assignment and placed on waivers.

Miami also could avoid the uncertainty and explore trade possibilities for Urena between now and Opening Day. But indications are that isn’t the intention. Because Urena has a power arm, he likely will get a chance to make the team, either as a starter or a reliever.

Homegrown, Urena was signed by the Marlins out of the Dominican Republic in 2008. The lanky 6-foot-2, 200-pounder debuted with Miami in 2015. Last year, he was up and down, going 4-9 with a 6.13 ERA in 28 games (12 starts).

Despite his struggles in the big leagues, Urena made 12 starts in Triple-A, posting a 3.17 ERA in 48 1/3 innings. If he can become more consistent with his mechanics, he could be a big presence on the staff.

Miami has signed free-agent starters …

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