Manager Don Mattingly said Wednesday that the organization is open to moving Phelps into the rotation, Joe Frisaro of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

A spot on the starting staff has opened up following Tom Koehler's demotion, and it sounds like Phelps may be the leading candidate for the role. After a rocky start to the season, Phelps has really dialed it in, making 10 straight scoreless appearances with only three hits allowed during that span. He's not stretched out -- Phelps has maxed out at 33 pitches in an appearance this season -- but the team could turn to him Sunday in Los Angeles and allow him to build up his pitch count over the course of several starts.

Phelps has blown all three of his save opportunities and has posted a 5.63 ERA over eight innings to start the season.

EDGE Analysis

In spite of those numbers, the Marlins are 5-2 in games Phelps has appeared in. A.J. Ramos, who is 2-for-2 in save chances, is making a strong push to take over the closer role full time in place of Phelps. As a reliever last season, Phelps posted a 2.3' ERA and 11.8 K/9 rate over 62.1 innings.

Phelps tossed two shutout innings in Friday's Grapefruit League game against the Twins, giving up one hit and striking out two.

EDGE Analysis

The 30-year-old posted career bests in K/9 (11.8), ERA (2.28) and average fastball velocity (93.5 mph) last season, and Phelps has everything you could want in a fantasy asset except a defined role on the Marlins' staff. That makes him a classic target for the old-school LIMA roster construction strategy, and his ability to work multiple innings out of the bullpen could make him surprisingly productive in wins given the quick hook manager Don Mattingly figures to use this season with his rotation.

Phelps, who tossed a pair of scoreless innings in relief, will be used out of the bullpen to begin the season, the Marlins' official site reports.

EDGE Analysis

"We've got seven or eight guys down there, nine counting our starter," Phelps said. "On any given day, we're trying to piece together 27 outs. As a unit out there, we're all trying to figure out how to piece that equation together. Whether we use two guys one night, or if we use six guys one night." Phelps was scheduled to pitch one inning in Friday's game, but he pitched well enough in the first frame that he was brought back for the second. The Marlins are believed to be willing to use Phelps in any bullpen role -- including closing -- depending on the situation and matchups this season.

Phelps won his arbitration case and will receive $4.6 million from the Marlins, who submitted $4.325 million, FanRag Sports' Jon Heyman reports.

EDGE Analysis

In 64 appearances (including five starts), Phelps enjoyed a true breakout season with a 2.28 ERA and 11.84 strikeouts per nine innings during 2016. His skills make him an intriguing fantasy pick in the late rounds, considering he's squarely in the running for a rotation spot this spring and may have the most exciting skills of any of the competing options. If he does wind up starting, of course, his inning usage will deserve monitoring by both Miami's coaches and his fantasy owners. If he remains in the bullpen, he could pile up plenty of value anyway thanks to his ability to record punchouts.

Phelps threw a scoreless ninth inning Tuesday against the Nationals, allowing a hit and striking out one en route to his fourth save of the year.

EDGE Analysis

Phelps got the call in the ninth inning of a 1-0 game with usual closer A.J. Ramos having pitched the past two days. The right-hander has been solid out of the bullpen for the Marlins this season, posting a 2.40 ERA and 1.14 WHIP. He's also struck out batters at an impressive rate, with a 11.6 K/9. Ramos remains the closer moving forward.

Phelps (oblique) was activated from the disabled list Sunday.

EDGE Analysis

The Marlins have yet to say when Phelps will rejoin their rotation, but more information regarding the 29-year-old righty should be available in the coming days. Over his five starts this season, Phelps has built a 2.22 ERA and 1.07 WHIP.

Phelps (oblique strain) expects to only miss a couple starts on the DL, the Miami Herald's Clark Spencer reports.

EDGE Analysis

He was placed on the 15-day DL on Wednesday with a strained oblique that he apparently injured while taking batting practice Tuesday. Phelps said he hopes to resume throwing in four days. If he does indeed only miss two starts, he could come off the DL to start Sept. 11 against the Dodgers.

Phelps was placed on the disabled list with a strained left oblique, Clark Spencer of the Miami Herald reports.

EDGE Analysis

Jake Esch was recalled from Triple-A New Orleans to start in Phelps's place Wednesday night. Phelps has primarily been used as a reliever this season and has a 2.52 ERA and 1.12 WHIP after pitching in 55 games. He had similar success as a starter as well, as he posted a 2.22 ERA and 1.07 WHIP over five outings. More information regarding a potential return date should be known as he begins the rehab process.

Phelps struggled on Friday, allowing four runs (three earned) on two hits and three walks over 3.2 innings against the Padres.

EDGE Analysis

The Marlins ended up pulling out the victory, but there was little to like from Phelps aside from the six strikeouts. Though he has struggled to get deep into games at times, the veteran hurler has been solid since being inserted into the rotation in early August. Over five starts he's posted a strong 2.22 ERA and 1.07 WHIP with a 32:10 K:BB ratio over 24.1 innings pitched. Overall , Phelps holds a stellar 2.52 ERA and 1.12 WHIP in 78.2 innings comprising the five starts and 50 relief appearances. Phelps will make his next start Wednesday in New York against the Mets.