Marlins DFA John King, recall Jack Ralston ahead of series finale vs. Nationals

The Miami Marlins made a roster move ahead of their Sunday series finale against the Washington Nationals, designating veteran left-hander John King for assignment and recalling right-hander Jack Ralston from Triple-A Jacksonville. The transaction underscores a late-season bullpen-management decision, with Miami turning to a different arm as the club closes out the set.

King, a ground-ball oriented option, had been working through his second stint in Miami’s pitching plans after signing a $1.5 million contract ahead of Spring Training as a reclamation project. According to the team’s announcement, his 2026 performance included an ERA of 4.66 before the designation, a mark that ultimately did not fit the current needs of the major league roster.

Designating a player for assignment is the first step in the team’s roster reset. Once a player is placed on waivers, the club can keep the player if he clears and is later reinstated, but he can also be claimed by another organization or have his assignment changed depending on the waiver outcome. For King, the move creates a short timeline to determine his immediate baseball future.

Ralston’s recall gives the Marlins a fresh, organizational option for the final game of the series. The team did not suggest any specific role length in the announcement, but recalling a Triple-A starter or reliever typically indicates that the major league staff needs his availability for upcoming bullpen usage and late-season matchups.

The decision also reflects how teams use September roster flexibility. With each series, the Marlins must balance current leverage situations, travel and rest needs, and the availability of other arms already on the 26-man roster. Moving King off the active mix and inserting Ralston is a practical way to adjust the pitching shape without reshuffling the entire staff.

For the Nationals, the timing matters because they will face whatever mix Miami chooses for the finale, with the Marlins’ bullpen likely needing to cover the full span depending on how the starter handles the early innings. The day’s matchup could also hint at how Miami views Ralston’s readiness, including whether he is expected to pitch in a higher-leverage window or work a shorter, situational stint.