Marlins' Junichi Tazawa: Working on arm angle this spring

Tazawa will work on lowering his arm angle this spring, The Sun-Sentinel reports. "He's navigating through," pitching coach Juan Nieves said. "I think there's a little bit of work to be done, but I think with the youth here, he's a great complement for us. He could be used in a shorter role, less stressful innings."

Analysis:

Nieves was Tazawa's pitching coach in Boston in 2013-14, the reliever's best seasons in the majors, and he feels that Tazawa's arm angle has gotten too high over the last couple of years. More concerning for his fantasy value is the suggestion that he is only fourth of fifth in the bullpen pecking order for the Marlins, and won't see many high-leverage situations behind A.J. Ramos, Brad Ziegler and Kyle Barraclough. Tazawa has recorded at least 16 holds in each of the last four seasons, but could have a tough time keeping that streak alive in a lesser role for Miami.