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Dodgers Claim Justin Marks from Tampa Bay Rays

By David Hill

Sep 21, 2016; St. Petersburg, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Rays relief pitcher Justin Marks (58) throws a pitch during the fifth inning against the New York Yankees at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 21, 2016; St. Petersburg, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Rays relief pitcher Justin Marks (58) throws a pitch during the fifth inning against the New York Yankees at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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Despite being designated for assignment by the Tampa Bay Rays, Justin Marks was not out of a job for long. Yesterday, he was claimed by the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Throughout his career, Justin Marks has been the ultimate ‘break glass in case of emergency’ pitcher. He has spent the majority of the past five seasons at the AAA level, getting the occasional call up to the Majors when a team is in desperate need of relief help.

Between his stints with the Kansas City Royals and the Tampa Bay Rays, Marks has appeared in just six games, encompassing 12.1 innings. During that time, he has posted a 3.65 ERA, albeit with a 2.108 WHiP, walking 13 batters while recording nine strikeouts. Marks has been a pure depth piece, a player that is somewhat interchangeable in the minor leagues.

As such, it was not a surprise when the Rays designated Marks for assignment on Saturday. In fact, it seemed fairly likely that they would be able to retain his services, slotting Marks back in Durham in case of another pitching emergency. Instead, he was claimed off waivers by the Los Angeles Dodgers yesterday. To make room on the 40 man roster, Andre Ethier was moved to his familiar place on the 60 day DL.

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This does not mean that Marks is getting another chance at the Majors just yet. He has been assigned to the Oklahoma City Dodgers, where he will be joining his sixth AAA roster since the beginning of 2014.

Even at the AAA level, Marks has been more of a solid pitcher than anything that would indicate he would be an option in the Majors. He has a lifetime 25-38 record with a 4.89 ERA and a 1.465 WHiP, with 380 strikeouts and 192 walks in his 434.2 innings.

The Dodgers may well prove to be a solid landing spot. Given their plethora of pitching injuries, Marks could get another chance at the Majors at some point, trying to stick once again. It certainly would not be a surprise if he finds himself in Dodger Blue at some point this season.

Next: Weeks job is safe...for now

Justin Marks had spent the past year with the Tampa Bay Rays. His time in Florida is over, at least for now, as he has been claimed by the Los Angeles Dodgers.

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