Left-handed pitcher Jonathan Bermúdez has been outrighted to Triple-A Jacksonville, as reported by MLB.com’s transactions tracker. This means he cleared waivers after being designated for assignment last week. While he has the option to become a free agent, it is uncertain if he will choose to do so.
Bermúdez, 28, has had a back-and-forth journey on the Marlins’ roster in recent weeks. He was initially added to the Miami 40-man roster on August 25, but was designated for assignment shortly after. After passing through waivers in early September, he accepted an outright assignment to Jacksonville, only to be selected back to the roster a few days later. However, his second stint on the roster also ended with him being designated for assignment after a short period.
During these transactions, Bermúdez made his major league debut in a limited capacity. He pitched 6 2/3 innings over three appearances, allowing six earned runs on 11 hits, including two home runs. Additionally, he issued two walks, hit two batters, and struck out four.
When not in the majors, Bermúdez has pitched 74 2/3 innings at the Double-A level in 14 starts, posting an impressive 2.53 ERA. He also pitched 23 2/3 innings at Triple-A with a 6.46 ERA across three starts and three long relief outings.
Players with three years of service time or a previous outright assignment have the option to elect free agency instead of accepting another outright assignment. Bermúdez had brief stints on the 40-man rosters of the Astros and Giants in 2021-22, which granted him the right to reject future outright assignments. However, he accepted an outright with the Marlins recently and may choose to do so again.
The Marlins would likely prefer him to accept the outright assignment once more. Their pitching staff has been plagued by injuries this season, with ten pitchers currently on the injured list. While not in playoff contention, the Marlins have two weeks left in the season and may require Bermúdez back on the roster before the offseason begins.
