NewsPenn to be designated for assignment
Righty's control problems an issue, particularly Wednesday
By Joe Frisaro / MLB.com
06/03/09 11:33 PM ET
MIAMI -- After a 9-6 loss to the Brewers on Wednesday night, the Marlins announced that they were designating right-hander Hayden Penn for assignment, effective on Thursday.Penn had a rough relief appearance in the fifth inning, when the Brewers scored six runs. In relief of Sean West, who worked 4 1/3 innings, Penn faced six batters and he issued four walks. With two out and the bases loaded, he walked Bill Hall, Jason Kendall and pitcher Braden Looper in order.
Acquired from the Orioles on April 1 for infielder Robert Andino, Penn appeared in 16 games with Florida. A starter throughout his career, Florida used him mostly in long relief. He made one start.
In 22 total innings, Penn walked 20, to go along with a 7.77 ERA.
With Penn out of options, the Marlins have 10 days to trade him. If he clears waivers, he would then have to accept the assignment and be sent likely to Triple-A New Orleans.
"I wasn't getting it done, that's the bottom line," Penn said. "That's what we get paid to do, to come in here and do your job, and I wasn't doing it. That's part of the game."
Marlins manager Fredi Gonzalez was hoping that Penn could get through the fifth inning, where the Brewers scored six times. But after he ran a 2-1 count on Corey Hart, Penn was relieved by Brian Sanches.
"That fifth inning, we wanted to get two outs, and he was the one who could have gotten two runs without using Sanchy or [Kiko] Calero or [Dan] Meyer," Gonzalez said. "Then all of a sudden, we run out of pitching."
The Marlins haven't announced who will replace Penn on the roster, but New Orleans reliever Tim Wood, who was in Spring Training with the Marlins, is the expected choice.
Joe Frisaro is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.
