The Miami Marlins added another piece to their bullpen on Monday afternoon by signing reliever Kevin Gregg. Gregg spent a pair of seasons as Miami's closer.
After experimenting with former Chicago Cubs reliever Carlos Marmol, the Miami Marlins have turned to another former Cub to try and add depth to one of baseball's inconsistent bullpens. Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports reported the Marlins have agreed to terms with free agent Kevin Gregg, who will spend eight or nine days in the minors before being promoted to join the team.
Sources: #Marlins agree with free-agent RHP Kevin Gregg, pending physical. Will start in minors, then join team after 8 or 9 days.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) June 2, 2014The move comes a day after the Marlins traded a draft pick to the Pittsburgh Pirates in exchange for reliever Bryan Morris. Miami's 4.04 bullpen earned run average ranks 23rd in all of baseball.
Gregg spent last season at the back of the Cubs' bullpen, and posted a 3.48 ERA and 4.10 FIP while recording 33 saves in 62 innings pitched. 2013 was Gregg's best major league season since 2010, when he saved 37 games and posted a 3.51 ERA for the Blue Jays.
Gregg was reportedly frustrated that he couldn't earn a major league deal last offseason, and decided he would wait for there to be a need before signing with a team.
After adding Morris on Sunday, the move gives Miami much needed bullpen assistance. With Carter Capps on the disabled list and A.J. Ramos and Mike Dunn both struggling at times, Gregg should receive plenty of opportunities to pitch late in games.
Getting the ball to closer Steve Cishek with a lead has been difficult for the Marlins.
Gregg is familiar with the Marlins, as he served as the team's closer in 2007 and 2008. He has a career 4.07 ERA and has 177 saves to his name.