Improved late-inning options give the Marlins real hope for a winning season

Improved late-inning options give the Marlins real hope for a winning season originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Miami Marlins have long had a great rotation of starting pitchers. Even with the number of injuries throughout the years, the starting rotation has been a plus.

The team's struggles typically come on the offensive side of things, and last year, it came from the bullpen. However, the team is singing a different tune this year.

The starting rotation remains a plus, but the offense looks more improved, and so does the bullpen. They have come out with a 13-16 record to start the season, which is good enough for second place in the NL East right now.

MORE:Marlins' Liam Hicks is making the most of his opportunity this season

Improved late-inning options give the Marlins a real hope for a winning season

Xavier Edwards has stepped up this season, and so have Liam Hicks and Otto Lopez. And the young core of Connor Norby and Owen Caissie has shown flashes of power early this season.

New addition Pete Fairbanks has been excellent as the closer, and John King has emerged as a great left-handed option late. But you can't forget about the relief work from , who has been elite.