The Miami Marlins have claimed left-handed pitcher Austin Kitchen off waivers from the Colorado Rockies, with right-hander Sixto Sánchez being transferred to the 60-day injured list to clear a 40-man roster spot. Christina De Nicola of MLB.com initially reported the Kitchen claim on X, noting that Kitchen will report to Triple-A Jacksonville.
Kitchen, 27, was recently added to Colorado’s roster but was designated for assignment the next day without appearing in a game. Although he has yet to make his major league debut, the Marlins see potential in him. Kitchen has a 3.95 ERA in 225 2/3 minor league innings, with a 19.4% strikeout rate and 6.3% walk rate, and has consistently kept at least 50% of balls in play on the ground at each minor league level.
Sánchez was placed on the 15-day injured list earlier this month due to right shoulder inflammation, with no recent updates. Given his history of shoulder surgeries, the move to the 60-day IL indicates the Marlins do not expect his return by the end of July. This situation allowed the Marlins to use the roster spot for Kitchen, providing them with optionable bullpen depth. Kitchen has a full slate of options and essentially no service time, meaning he could remain on the 40-man roster for an extended period if he performs well.
