Headley and the Padres Knock Marmol Out For Assignment

May 6, 2013; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Padres third baseman

(7) against the Miami Marlins at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports

Despite losing the first game of the four game series in extra innings to the Miami Marlins, the San Diego Padres offense has exploded combining for 19 runs and 26 hits over the last two games.

The Padres’ offense has been even more impressive this weekend by knocking Miami Marlins’ reliever and former closer Carlos Marmol out of the bullpen permanently.

On Sunday, the Marlins designated Marmol for assignment after giving up four runs, including a three-run blast to Chase Headley in the sixth inning on Saturday night.

Marmol signed a 1-year deal this off-season with the Marlins worth $1.25 million. Since his breakout season as Cubs’ closer in 2010 recording 38 saves with an 2.55 ERA, Marmol’s career has slowly taken a decline for the worst. He is 0-3 with a 8.10 ERA this season and the Padres may have finished off any chance of him returning this year.

Padres’ fans have been waiting all season for this type of offensive production against two outstanding starters. On Friday, the club lit up ace Jose Fernandez for 6 earned runs and forced Nathan Eovaldi into throwing 112 pitches in 5 innings allowing the Padres to light up Marmol in route to a 9-3 victory.

The welcome return of Headley adds to a lineup that is finally awaking with both Seth Smith and Jedd Gyorko crushing the ball. With the return of Carlos Quentin due back next week, the Padres will have their entire offense back in the lineup for the first time in 2014.