Brad Penny has been impressive enough after signing a minor-league contract with the Marlins last month that they’ve promoted the 35-year-old right-hander from Single-A to Triple-A.
Of course, it’s all relative. Penny went 0-2 with a 5.06 ERA in two Single-A starts, striking out just four batters in 10.2 innings. He also walked zero batters and allowed zero homers and ... well, Clark Spencer of the Miami Herald writes that “the plan calls for Penny to make at least two starts for New Orleans before the Marlins decide whether to bring him up.”
Penny has a July 31 opt-out clause in his contract, so that’s apparently driving the decision. His deal would be worth $800,000 if he’s called up to Miami, but he hasn’t been effective in the big leagues since 2010.