TODAY : The Marlins officially announced that Gutierrezs contract has been selected, and that Cronin has been optioned to Triple-A. MARCH 30 : The Marlins will select the contract of right-hander prior to Sundays game against the Pirates, Francys Romero. Miami has an open spot on the 40-man roster, so only a 26-man roster move will be nece sary. Daniel Alvarez Montes of El Extra Base that the Fish will likely option righty to Triple-A Jacksonville in Gutierrezs place, noting that Cronin was packing up his locker following todays game. Now 28 years old, Gutierrez was a high-profile prospect back in 2016 after defecting from his native Cuba. The Reds signed him to a $4.75MM bonus and paid a 100% tax on that bonus under the old soft-capped international amateur free agency system. That $9.5MM investment didnt pan out as hoped. Gutierrez made it to the big leagues in 2021-22, pitching 150 2/3 innings with a 5.44 ERA, 17.3% Aaron Holiday Jersey strikeout rate and 10.4% walk rate. His heater sat 93.3 mph during that two-year stint, and he paired it with a slider, curveball and changeup. All of Gutierrezs second pitches were touted as potential plus offerings on various scouting reports (FanGraphs, Baseball America, MLB.com), but hes yet to find consistency with any of them. His curveball and changeup, in particular, have been hit hard by big league opponents. Gutierrez underwent Tommy John surgery in the summer of 2022, all but ending his time on the mound with the Reds organization. He returned to throw 6 1/3 minor league frames late in the 2023 season and became a minor league free agent in the offseason. Gutierrez drew a fair bit of interest on minor league deals as he showcased for MLB clubs to demonstrate his health post-surgery. Perhaps unsurprisingly, given Miamis proximity to Cuba, he ultimately chose to sign with the Fish back in February. He had a decent showing in spring training, holding opponents to four runs on a dozen hits and four walks with nine punchouts in 10 innings of work. The Marlins and Pirates went to 12 innings in their season opener, with the Marlins bullpen accounting for seven of those frames. AJ Puk last just two innings on Friday, leaving Miami relievers to pick up another seven innings of work. went four frames today, giving the relief corps another five innings to pick up. Given that huge slate of innings for Miami relievers, its only natural that theyre bringing up a fresh arm particularly one that can provide some length, if needed. Cronins demotion to Jacksonville is a tough pill for him to swallow. The journeyman righty made his first Opening Day roster this season and has pitched well, firing four innings (including the final three in that 12-inning contest) without allowing an earned run. But between that three-inning debut and another 22 pitches in todays inning of work, hed surely have been unavailable tomorrow, making him the most logical candidate to be sent down. Hell have to be in Jacksonville for 10 days unle s hes recalled as an injury replacement. But considering the fact that he made the Opening Day roster and has thus far pitched well, Cronin stands a good chance of returning to the big leagues before too long. Jeremy Lamb Jersey