PHILADELPHIA — Matt Lindstrom wants his closer's job back, but he understands if the Marlins want to continue giving Leo Nunez the ball in save situations.
While Lindstrom was on the disabled list with a sprained right elbow from June 24-July 31, Nunez converted all seven save opportunities he had while allowing five runs in 14 1/3 innings (3.15 ERA), walking four and striking out 16. He notched his 11th save Saturday in the Marlins' 6-4 victory against the Phillies.
"He's doing a good job right now," Lindstrom said. "I prefer to be in the ninth inning, but whatever they need." Overall, Nunez has 11 saves in 14 chances with a 3.96 ERA. Lindstrom had 14 saves before he was injured. He has thrown three hitless innings in separate eighth-inning appearances, including Saturday, since returning.
Manager Fredi Gonzalez said Lindstrom will get a chance to close again but he didn't say when.
"I'm good for the ninth inning, I'm ready for the eighth inning, the seventh inning, whenever Fredi calls me, I'll go to the mound," Nunez said.
Another Sanchez no-hitter: It wasn't the same as his no-hitter against the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2006, but the Marlins are encouraged with right-hander Anibal Sanchez's performance Friday night - 62⁄3 hitless innings for Class A Jupiter.
On Wednesday, Sanchez will make the first of at least two starts for Class AA Jacksonville. Out since June 4 with a sprained right shoulder, he could return to the rotation by the weekend of Aug. 21.
"I want him to get to seven, eight innings," pitching coach Mark Wiley said. "I don't want to bring him back too soon. We want him to get real strong late in the game."
While Lindstrom was on the disabled list with a sprained right elbow from June 24-July 31, Nunez converted all seven save opportunities he had while allowing five runs in 14 1/3 innings (3.15 ERA), walking four and striking out 16. He notched his 11th save Saturday in the Marlins' 6-4 victory against the Phillies.
"He's doing a good job right now," Lindstrom said. "I prefer to be in the ninth inning, but whatever they need." Overall, Nunez has 11 saves in 14 chances with a 3.96 ERA. Lindstrom had 14 saves before he was injured. He has thrown three hitless innings in separate eighth-inning appearances, including Saturday, since returning.
Manager Fredi Gonzalez said Lindstrom will get a chance to close again but he didn't say when.
"I'm good for the ninth inning, I'm ready for the eighth inning, the seventh inning, whenever Fredi calls me, I'll go to the mound," Nunez said.
Another Sanchez no-hitter: It wasn't the same as his no-hitter against the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2006, but the Marlins are encouraged with right-hander Anibal Sanchez's performance Friday night - 62⁄3 hitless innings for Class A Jupiter.
On Wednesday, Sanchez will make the first of at least two starts for Class AA Jacksonville. Out since June 4 with a sprained right shoulder, he could return to the rotation by the weekend of Aug. 21.
"I want him to get to seven, eight innings," pitching coach Mark Wiley said. "I don't want to bring him back too soon. We want him to get real strong late in the game."
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