Despite their inexperience, the Marlins’ starting rotation is as talented and promising as any other. But it’s also as young as any other, and that’s why manager Don Mattingly and pitching coach Mel Stottlemyre Jr. need to be pretty careful in 2021.
The initial rotation features Sandy Alcántara, Pablo López, Elieser Hernández and Trevor Rogers, with Nick Neidert considered the frontrunner for a call-up once a fifth starter becomes necessary.
That’s an unusually young staff. Each one of them is 25 years old or younger, with Hernández being the oldest (turning 26 on May 3). The Marlins could be in position to tie or break a franchise record that has stood since 2009.