Full Breakdown
Miami Marlins Designate Chris Paddack, Eye Prospect Robby Snelling for Rotation Spot
5/6/2026, 6:05:56 PM
Roster Move Opens Rotation Spot
On May 5, 2026, the Miami Marlins designated right-hander Chris Paddack for assignment, removing him from the 40-man roster and vacating a spot in the five-man rotation ahead of the home series against the Washington Nationals on Friday.
Paddack’s Performance and DFA
Paddack entered the season on a one-year, $4 million contract but posted a 0-5 record, 7.63 ERA and 1.66 WHIP over 30.2 innings, allowing a .308 batting average, 41 hits and six home runs. The Marlins gave him seven starts before the DFA, a timeline described by analysts as slower than expected.
Prospects Ready to Fill the Role
The organization’s top left-handed prospects are Robby Snelling and Braxton Garrett. Snelling, the No. 2 prospect, is 3-1 with a 1.86 ERA, 0.90 WHIP and a .116 opponent average in Triple-A, striking out 44 batters in 29 innings. Garrett, returning from Tommy John surgery, is 0-1 with a 1.76 ERA, 0.68 WHIP and a .73 opponent average, including a no-hit outing on April 21. Both are listed as rotation options for Friday.
Data & Statistics
- Chris Paddack – 0-5, 7.63 ERA, 1.66 WHIP, .308 opponent avg, 41 H, 6 HR in 30.2 IP.
- Robby Snelling (AAA) – 3-1, 1.86 ERA, 0.90 WHIP, .116 opponent avg, 44 K in 29 IP.
- Braxton Garrett (AAA) – 0-1, 1.76 ERA, 0.68 WHIP, .73 opponent avg, no-hit game Apr 21.
Official Statements & Responses
The Marlins announced a “series of roster moves” on Tuesday, confirming Paddack’s designation and the recall of right-hander William Kempner from Jacksonville. No front-office comment was provided.
Criticism & Opposition
Analysts noted the DFA “took this long to make the decision,” implying earlier action could have steadied the rotation.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources agree Snelling and Garrett are candidates, but the Marlins have not announced which pitcher will start on Friday.
Verbatim Quotes
- “The End of the Road for Paddack Chris Paddack was designated for assignment on Tuesday, as reported by Ken Rosenthal on X.” — Laura Lambert, SI.com
- “He did hold down a spot for seven games, but that’s about the only thing he held down.” — Laura Lambert, SI.com
- “For Paddack’s rotation spot on Friday, Robby Snelling and Braxton Garrett are options at Triple-A Jacksonville.” — Christina De Nicola, MLB.com (Twitter)
- “com, Snelling is considered a top option to replace Paddack in the rotation later this week, along with former MLB starter Braxton Garrett .” — Christina De Nicola, MLB.com
What’s Next
The Marlins are expected to name the Friday starter before the Nationals game. A call-up would give Snelling his MLB debut and mark the first major-league appearance by a McQueen High alumnus since outfielder Chris Aguila.
