The Miami Marlins are tweaking their roster as they head into a crucial series opener against the Athletics.

The Marlins are recalling Will Kempner from Triple-A Jacksonville and optioning Ryan Gusto on Friday. The last-minute shuffle could play a major role going into the fifth game of this month. 

Gusto lasted only three innings allowing three runs on four hits with a strikeout during the Marlins’ 14-4 loss against the Colorado Rockies on Thursday. He has not pitched over five innings in any start during his time with the Marlins this season. 

Miami’s bullpen adjustment comes at a time when every roster move carries added weight. The Marlins entered the night at 46-42 and firmly in the National League Wild Card conversation, making bullpen depth increasingly important as the season pushes into July. Kempner has already shown he can help immediately.

The 25-year-old reliever has quietly become one of Miami’s more dependable arms in limited action this season. Across six appearances, Kempner has thrown nine scoreless innings while striking out 10 batters and allowing very little traffic on the bases.

His return gives manager Clayton McCullough another power arm capable of handling middle and late innings against a dangerous Athletics lineup.

Kempner’s rise has been impressive considering how recently he joined the organization. Miami acquired the former Giants prospect before the season, and his early results have quickly turned him into a legitimate bullpen option. Additionally, the Marlins are coming from a phenomenal month where they put a historic 20-6 record in June. Though they still have a lot to handle as Miami makes a push for the playoffs.

Meanwhile, Gusto heads back to Jacksonville after an uneven stretch in the majors.

The right-hander bounced between starting and relief duties this season, appearing in eight games overall. While he flashed strikeout ability at times, inconsistency hurt him throughout his stint with Miami.

Friday’s move also gives the Marlins a fresher pitching staff heading into a hitter-friendly environment at Sutter Health Park.

Tyler Phillips is expected to start the opener for Miami opposite Athletics right-hander Jack Perkins as the Marlins look to continue building momentum in the playoff race.

If Kempner keeps producing the way he has so far, Miami may have found another reliable bullpen piece for the second half of the season.

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