MLB Rookie Report: Kendry Flores, RHP, Miami Marlins

If you blinked you may have missed it (I almost did) but the Miami Marlins called up rookie right-hander Kendry Flores on Saturday May 14th, started him against the Washington Nationals on Saturday, then send him back down to the minors on Sunday the 15th. Once back in New Orleans he was placed on the disabled list, having strained his shoulder during his three innings of work against the Nats.

This is not his first bout with shoulder issues. From the 2016 Baseball Prospect Book:

Kendry Flores, RHP, Miami Marlins
Bats: R Throws: R HT: 6-2 WT: 175 DOB: November 24, 1991

2011: Grade C+; 2012: Grade C+; 2013: Grade C; 2014: Grade C+; 2015: Grade C
Acquired in the winter of 2014 from the Giants, Kendry Flores pitched very well in the high minors for the Marlins in 2015 and will be in the pitching mix this year. He throws four pitches for strikes: 88-93 MPH fastball, average curve, average slider, slightly above-average change-up. Nothing is consistently plus and scouts have always been lukewarm about him, but his pitching instincts are sound and he didn’t have much trouble even in the difficult Pacific Coast League last summer. He showed no ill effects from a shoulder problem which ended his ’14 season early. He’s not spectacular but his reputation has improved thanks to his strong run for Jacksonville and New Orleans and he could be a nice number four starter. Grade B-.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTARY

Flores was pitching well for New Orleans before his promotion, with a 2.59 ERA in six starts.  He showed typical Kendry Flores stuff against the Nats: fastball up to 93, mixed with liberal use of his slider and some occasional change-ups. His control was weaker than normal and he walked three in three innings of work, but the shoulder may have had something to do with that.

At this point his status depends on the condition of his shoulder and there is no detailed word about that right now. If healthy, he can be a workable fourth starter.

Here's a clip from last summer of Flores whiffing Kyle Schwarber with a tumbling change-up.