Justin

Marks

Marks had a 4.50 ERA, 1.46 WHIP and 81/44 K/BB ratio in 92 innings this past season between three different levels of the Royals’ farm system. The 24-year-old is now a member of the Royals’ 40-man roster.

Marks gave up one run in four innings over three appearances this spring. The 25-year-old had a 4.50 ERA, 1.46 WHIP and 81/44 K/BB ratio in 92 innings last season between three different levels of the Royals’ farm system and was added to the 40-man roster in November.

It was the International League’s first nine-inning no-hitter in two years and it was also the first complete game of Marks’ career. The left-hander finished with seven strikeouts and two walks while pitching to three batters over the minimum. 70 of his season-high 130 pitches went for strikes. Before Saturday, Marks had been winless in his previous nine starts. The 28-year-old made one big league appearance for the Royals in 2014 but hasn’t been back since.

Marks made one appearance with the Royals back in 2014, but he has earned his way back to the majors with a strong performance in the minors this season. The 28-year-old compiled a 3.86 ERA and 127/53 K/BB ratio over 140 innings with Durham.

Marks, 28, made four appearances for the Rays last month, allowing one run over nine relief innings. He’s now off the 40-man roster.

Marks allowed just one run over nine innings out of the Tampa Bay bullpen in 2016, though his minor league numbers don’t project anything nearly as promising moving forward. The 28-year-old southpaw will remain organizational pitching depth for the Rays.

Marks, Tommy Hunter and Xavier Cedeno combined on a no-hitter for six innings before Danny Farquhar and Ryan Garton allowed one hit apiece in the latter stages of the game. The 29-year-old Marks had the opportunity to go to Korea last month, but he opted to stay put and try to make the Rays. While he was a big long shot at the start of camp, he’d seem to have a real opportunity now; he’s thrown 10 scoreless innings and the Rays have one more spot available with Brad Boxberger down.

There has been some chatter about Marks signing with a team in the Korea Baseball Organization, but apparently he’s staying put. The southpaw was re-signed to a minor league deal back in December. The 28-year-old made four appearances at the major league level in 2016 and posted a 3.86 ERA and 127/53 K/BB ratio over 140 innings in Triple-A.

Marks posted a 4.60 ERA over 15 2/3 frames at Durham. He’ll work in long relief.

Marks was claimed off waivers from the Rays in May but had struggled at Triple-A Oklahoma City. The 29-year-old lefty has logged just six career appearances in the major leagues.