Add the Marlins to the list of teams pursuing Brian Fuentes, the Rockies’ left-handed closer.
The Marlins, who are far more focused on acquiring bullpen help than adding a veteran catcher, are expressing interest in all of the top available relievers, according to major-league sources.
Catching is indeed an area of need for the Marlins, but Matt Treanor, recovering from a strained left hip, is close to beginning a rehabilitation assignment. The Marlins would rather go with Treanor and rookie John Baker than pick up a veteran such as the Blue Jays’ Gregg Zaun or Reds’ Paul Bako, sources say.
As for Fuentes, rival teams continue to say that the Rockies’ price is high for a pitcher who will be a free agent at the end of the season. The Rockies counter that Fuentes is a three-time All-Star who is on a roll. Fuentes, who turns 33 on Aug. 9, has pitched seven hitless, scoreless innings in July, striking out 13, walking none.
The Rays, Cardinals, Phillies, Red Sox, Mets and Yankees are among the other clubs that have shown interest in Fuentes