Jim Walker

jim.walker@irontontribune.com

 

CINCINNATI — Bringing reliever Carlos Marmol and Cincinnati Reds’ minor league pitching coordinator Mark Riggins together again may be a boost to the team’s bullpen.

Marmol, 31, was released by the Miami Marlins on May 19 after he put up some bloated numbers in his rollercoaster career.

In 15 appearances, Marmol had an 8.10 earned run average. He was a member of the Chicago Cubs from 2006-13 and the Los Angeles Dodgers for part of last season.

Marmol was at his best in 2008 when he was the Cubs’ closer. He had 38 saves and a 2.55 ERA I n77 games while earning a spot on the National League All-Star team.

Reds’ general manager Walt Jocketty said Riggins’ relationship with Marmol was the factor in the deal.

“(Marmol’s) best success was when Mark was there,” said Jocketty. “Mark wanted us to try and sign him. Because of his relationship with Marmol, we were able to sign him.”

Marmol’s number from 2011-14 were up and down. Overall, he had a 4.23 ERA and a 1.53 WHIP while averaging 6.9 strikeouts per nine innings.

With the Marlins this season, he struggled with his control by walking 10 in 13.1 innings. Marmol — whose fastball is in the 93-94 miles an hour range — did have 14 strikeouts.

“There is no question about his arm strength or health. It’s more about his command. We’ll see what we can accomplish these next few weeks,” said Jocketty.

A team strength in past seasons, the Reds’ bullpen has had problems this year due to some injury issues.

With starter Mat Latos out since spring training, Alfredo Simon moved into the starting rotation. Simon has thrown well but it has weakened the bullpen.

Bryan Price — the Reds’ pitching coach before taking over as manager this season — said Marmol could help the team if he can overcome his control problems.

“One thing I realize is there have also been a lot of talented people who have worked with him in the past that have had their own successes or failures with him,” Price said.

“I’m sure his career is not based on a lack of good coaching. The bullpen position is such a volatile position and such a hard one to nail down with guys who can have long runs of consistent success.”

The Reds have also recently signed former Atlanta Braves’ left-hander Jair Jurrjens and ex-Reds’ lefty Matt Maloney.