Ziegler allowed one hit while striking out one in a scoreless inning of work to record his first save of the season Sunday against the Phillies.

EDGE Analysis

Ziegler stumbled in his second outing of the season in a non-save situation but remains the team's closer for the time being. He won't rack up many strikeouts and has been inconsistent in the closer's role throughout his career, converting 95 of 130 opportunities. That combination makes him risky to rely on, but the job remains his for now.

Ziegler (0-1) allowed four runs on three hits and one walk while striking out one batter in 1.2 innings Saturday, absorbing the Marlins' 10-6 loss to the Cubs.

EDGE Analysis

Ziegler worked a clean ninth to preserve a 6-6 tie but wilted in his second frame, allowing a double, a walk, an RBI single and eventually a two-out, three-RBI double (by Kris Bryant). It was Ziegler's third inning of work over the last two days, in which Miami played two extra-inning contests. This work in a non-save environment likely won't hurt the veteran's role as primary closer, though that title remains in flux for the balance of the season.

Ziegler walked one and struck out one in a scoreless inning of relief during Friday's Grapefruit League game against the Cardinals.

EDGE Analysis

The Marlins haven't given the veteran a heavy workload this spring, but he still carries a 0.00 ERA and 3:1 K:BB through three innings. Ziegler is set to open the season in the closer role, and he could provide more fantasy value than expected given that Miami isn't likely to blow anyone out this year, and their wins should generally be close ones. If he stumbles in the ninth inning, though, young power arms Drew Steckenrider and Kyle Barraclough could quickly push Ziegler aside.

Ziegler will be the Marlins' closer going into spring training, Joe Frisaro of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Although a lot can change between now and Opening Day, it's apparent that Ziegler will have the inside track in landing the ninth-inning role. During the 2017 season, he appeared in 53 games, posting a 4.79 -- but just a 3.77 FIP -- and 1.55 WHIP while converting 10 save opportunities once he assumed the job following the departure of A.J. Ramos in late July. Battling Ziegler for the job will be Kyle Barraclough and Drew Steckenrider, who each got chances in the late-inning role last September.

Ziegler pitched two-thirds of a scoreless ninth inning Friday against the Braves en route to his 10th save of the season.

EDGE Analysis

Interestingly, the Marlins opted to begin the ninth inning with Jarlin Garcia, but after he loaded the bases with one out in the frame, it was up to Ziegler to clean up the mess. The sidewinder wound up inducing a game-ending double play on his only pitch of the evening. Ziegler's stock certainly isn't trending upward right now, as his 7.20 ERA and 2.00 WHIP in the month of September suggest, although he hasn't allowed an earned run in his past three appearances. However, he seems to have been leapfrogged for save opportunities in Miami, which could remove him from fantasy relevancy heading into 2018 if he's unable to reclaim the closer's role during spring training.

Ziegler (illness) was charged with a blown save after allowing an unearned run on two hits in one inning Sunday against the Diamondbacks. He struck out one.

EDGE Analysis

It was just Ziegler's second appearance in the past two weeks thanks to a back injury followed by an illness. He's 0-for-3 in save chances in September with an 8.31 ERA, so it may be wise to stay away from him for the final week of the season.

Manager Don Mattingly said Tuesday that he's hoping Ziegler (illness) will be available Wednesday, Tim Healey of the South Florida Sun Sentinel reports.

EDGE Analysis

Just as Ziegler turned the page on a back issue, he fell under the weather. The submariner was unavailable both Monday and Tuesday as a result of the illness. Ziegler has squandered his last two save opportunities and the save chances have been few and far between lately for Miami, but he figures to remain the top endgame option over the remainder of the season.

Ziegler (back) is available out of the Marlins bullpen Monday night for the first time in over a week, Tim Healey

EDGE Analysis

Ziegler has been out of action since September 7. Expect the club to give him some lower leverage outings to ease himself back into action right away, with Kyle Barraclough or Drew Steckenrider most likely to receive save chances, at least in Ziegler's first few days back.

Ziegler (back) said Monday that he's hoping to pitch at some point this week, Joe Frisaro of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Ziegler is nursing a back issue and recently underwent an MRI, the results of which have not been disclosed publicly. We should know more about his status in the coming days. Kyle Barraclough seems like the top candidate to see save chances in Ziegler's absence, but Drew Steckenrider, who earned his first career save earlier this month, will also be an option.

Ziegler is dealing with back issues and will not be available Saturday, Clark Spencer of the Miami Herald reports.

EDGE Analysis

The right-hander has had a rough go lately, blowing two straight save opportunities, his latest coming Thursday. Ziegler may need a few days to recuperate from this setback. Kyle Barraclough presumably would step into save chances in his stead -- and it could be an audition for him to get the job in the long term.