Marcos

Molina

Molina, 21, missed this past season due to injury. He’s now protected from the Rule 5 Draft.

Molina scattered three hits, and he walked just one during the start. Since returning from Tommy John Surgery, Molina has been outstanding, compiling a 1.26 ERA and 23 strikeouts in just under 29 innings. Both the fastball and slider are plus, and he pounds the strike zone with those pitches and an average change. He could be part of someone’s rotation before the end of the 2018 season.

That may explain why the Mets released Molina last month. The 23-year-old reportedly tested positive for Clostebol, a substance often used for boosting testosterone. Dee Gordon tested positive for the same drug in 2016. Molina struggled to a brutal 6.94 ERA over 16 minor league starts this year.

The move clears a spot on the 40-man roster for Matt den Dekker. Molina, 23, has posted a 6.94 ERA over 16 starts between Double- and Triple-A this season.

Molina has the potential to be a No. 3 pitcher, but, as he is in the NY-Penn League and only 19, is years away from reaching his potential. He flashed much of his potential on Friday, shutting down the Vermont Lake Monsters. Molina has the potential to have a mid-90s fastball to go with an above-average change-up and curveball, but he often struggles with his command. He has been electric this season, holding opposing batters to a .177/.231/.217 with a 10.5 K/9. Molina will likely finish the season in Brooklyn and open 2015 with Low-A Savannah.