The Miami Marlins are making a strategic move by selecting right-hander Josh Ekness from Triple-A Jacksonville. This decision comes as a response to the recent struggles of their bullpen, particularly with the 15-day injured list placement of closer Pete Fairbanks due to nerve irritation in his throwing hand. With Fairbanks' absence, the Marlins are seeking to bolster their relief corps, and Ekness is seen as a potential key addition.
Ekness, a 12th-round pick in the 2023 draft, has a 5.68 ERA and a 10.2% walk rate over 12 2/3 innings for Jacksonville this season. While his overall numbers may not be impressive, some outlier metrics, such as a .400 BABIP and a 59.1% strand rate, suggest that his ERA is inflated. The Marlins are likely more interested in his 35.6% strikeout rate, which is a tick above the impressive swing-and-miss numbers he has shown earlier in his minor league career.
What makes Ekness particularly intriguing is his reliance on two plus pitches: a fastball with upper-90s velocity and a sweeper that sits in the mid-80s. As SportsGrid’s Craig Mish notes, Ekness "has closer stuff" and "profiles as a potential future leverage arm" if he can harness his control. This is a significant development for the Marlins, who have been seeking to improve their relief corps and potentially find a reliable closer.
The Marlins' decision to select Ekness is a strategic move that could have a significant impact on their season. With Fairbanks out, Ekness provides an opportunity to add a fresh arm to the bullpen and potentially fill the void left by Fairbanks. The Marlins' relief corps has been performing well despite Fairbanks' struggles, but the addition of Ekness could further strengthen their chances of success in the second half of the season.
In my opinion, the Marlins' decision to select Ekness is a smart move that addresses a critical need. With Fairbanks on the injured list, the Marlins needed to add a reliable arm to their bullpen, and Ekness fits the bill. His potential as a future closer and his ability to provide swing-and-miss stuff make him an attractive addition. The Marlins' relief corps has been a bright spot this season, and Ekness could be the piece that helps them maintain that momentum and potentially make a run at the playoffs.
