Ellington could win a spot as a long reliever to begin the season if Jeff Locke (biceps) winds up on the DL, The Miami Herald reports.

EDGE Analysis

The Marlins plan to carry an extra bullpen arm this season, but even so Ellington seemed ticketed for Triple-A New Orleans until Locke's arm became an issue. Ellington is likely battling Nick Wittgren for the open spot, as both have experience in a variety of bullpen roles, but neither has pulled away from the other so far this spring.

Ellington will compete for a spot in the Marlins' bullpen during spring training.

EDGE Analysis

Miami added plenty of right-handed relief depth this offseason, bringing in Brad Ziegler and Junichi Tazawa, so despite the fact that Ellington posted solid numbers in the majors last year and averages 98 mph with his fastball, he could find himself back at Triple-A New Orleans to begin 2017. The 26-year-old could force his way onto the 25-man roster with a big spring, though, especially if he shows signs of improving on his career 4.5 BB/9 rate.

Ellington was recalled to the majors Thursday, Andre Fernandez of the Miami Herald reports.

EDGE Analysis

Ellington has been very impressive when given the nod in the majors this season, working to a 0.92 ERA with 18 strikeouts in 19.2 innings. The one problem has been control, as he issued 11 walks in his previous stints, but everything else has gone right for the 26-year-old. He'll provide depth in the bullpen as the Marlins try to fight for the final wild card spot in the NL.

Ellington was optioned to Triple-A New Orleans on Sunday, Joe Frisaro of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

A.J. Ramos was brought off the DL on Sunday, so Ellington is headed back to New Orleans. Ellington was fantastic during his latest stint in the majors, as he allowed just one run over 8.1 innings spread across nine games, bringing his ERA down to 0.92 for the season. He's had a solid showing at the Triple-A level as well, posting a 3.13 ERA and 1.26 WHIP over 31.2 innings.

Ellington was recalled from Triple-A New Orleans on Saturday, Andre Fernandez of the Miami Herald reports.

EDGE Analysis

The right-hander will return for his second stint with the big club this season, replacing Jose Urena on the active roster. Ellington fared well during his initial callup, allowing just one earned run on eight hits while striking out 11 over 11.1 innings (10 appearances), but he'll have a tough time cracking the back end of the bullpen at any point this year.

Ellington was optioned to Triple-A New Orleans on Friday, Joe Frisaro of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Although Ellington was extremely effective during his 10-game stint with the Marlins, notching a .79 ERA to go with a 1.15 ERA, the Marlins needed to clear a spot on the roster for Friday's starter, Justin Nicolino. Ellington's strong showing with the big league club ought to earn him a call back up to the Marlins before too long, but for now, he'll work out of the bullpen at Triple-A.

Ellington was recalled from Triple-A New Orleans on Sunday, Clark Spencer of the Miami Herald

EDGE Analysis

Ellington will provide the Marlins with an extra right-handed arm out of the pen, likely serving in a similar role as 2015. He'll take the roster spot of Cody Hall, who was optioned to New Orleans in a corresponding move.

Ellington pitched a scoreless eighth inning, allowing a walk and striking out a batter in Triple-A New Orleans 4-2 victory over Iowa on Tuesday.

EDGE Analysis

Ellington gave up four earned runs on four hits and seven walks in five innings of work this spring. The right hander began 2015 by splitting time between Double-A Jacksonville and Triple-A New Orleans and compiled a 2.44 ERA over 44.1 innings. He was then promoted to the majors in early August and produced a 2.88 ERA and 1.20 WHIP in 25 innings. Given his steady progression through the Marlins farm system and his experience gained last year in the majors, he'll likely get another opportunity with the The Fish in 2016.