Full Breakdown
Marlins Deploy Prospect Debut Stretch as Bullpen Intensifies
5/8/2026, 1:11:28 AM
Debut Stretch
May saw Marlins place four prospects on the mound in consecutive games: reliever Josh Ekness (Sunday), catcher Joe Mack (Monday), reliever Will Kempner (Tuesday) and left-hander Dax Fulton (Wednesday). Fulton entered the sixth inning against Baltimore with two runners on, no outs, struck out two batters, induced a groundout and completed four innings, allowing two runs in a 7-4 loss. Stephen Jones may pitch Thursday and prospect Robby Snelling is slated to start Friday, extending the debut streak.
Context
Four straight debuts are the second-longest stretch in franchise history. The Marlins recorded nine debuts over eight games in July-August 2020 during the COVID-19-impacted season. The schedule includes a ten-game homestand and a 26-games-in-27-days stretch, heightening need for fresh bullpen arms.
Prospects
Left-hander Dax Fulton, a former top-10 prospect who returned from two Tommy John surgeries, posted a 4.79 ERA over five minor-league seasons and a 7.65 ERA in 20 Triple-A innings. Robby Snelling, acquired from San Diego in 2024, logged a 1.86 ERA, 44 strikeouts, 15 walks, a .116 batting average against and a 0.90 WHIP over 29 innings in his first six Triple-A starts. Jacksonville’s Jumbo Shrimp won the national championship last season, underscoring depth that manager Clayton McCullough cites as sustaining the major-league roster.
Official Responses
Manager Clayton McCullough said team needs depth to get through a season and highlighted stretch of games. Fulton said his debut was a chance to compete and feel the pressure of having his back against the wall. The club noted ton of talent in its Triple-A system and said prospects will be important pieces as it moves forward.
Quotes
- “I got thrown right into it. And I was kind of happy because it made me compete and made me go up there and know my back’s against the wall.” — Dax Fulton, Pitcher, Marlins
- “Every team is going to talk the necessity for depth to get through a season, and we’re just in one of those stretches right now.” — Clayton McCullough, Manager, Marlins
- “Extremely excited that they all got their opportunities. I’m really grateful that I’m getting my opportunity. It was one of those things where it’s expected with all the guys that are getting called up. There’s gonna be more to come as well.” — Dax Fulton, Pitcher, Marlins
- “Robby just pitched that way. He was on a roll at the end of last year, really pitched well this spring again… Robby has earned this chance now that it’s open to come up and take that spot.” — Clayton McCullough, Manager, Marlins
Next Steps
Robby Snelling starts Friday; Stephen Jones may pitch Thursday. Marlins are tied for second in the NL East at 16-20, ten games behind Atlanta.
