Report: Marlins looking to be buyers before deadline
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Despite entering Saturday four games under .500, the Miami Marlins will be buyers ahead of the July 31 trade deadline.
Joe Frisaro of MLB.com is reporting that the Marlins are feeling optimistic after winning four of their last five and are interested in acquiring a second baseman in addition to trying to improve their rotation.
Veteran Rafael Furcal was signed during the offseason to be the everyday second baseman but has missed all but nine games as a result of numerous trips on the disabled list. His replacement, Derek Dietrich, is currently on the DL with a wrist injury leaving utility Donovan Solano as the primary middle infielder on the right side of the diamond. A speedy, top of the order kind of guy is top of the wishlist.
Frisaro notes that a starting pitcher is second on the priority list as either Brad Hand or Jacob Turner could fill that role, while veteran Brad Penny is 1-1 with a 2.87 ERA in three starts in Triple-A.
Miami currently sit eight games behind the division leading Washington Nationals and 5.5 behind the Atlanta Braves for the second wild card position.