Ross Gload is heading to the Philadelphia Phillies. The Marlins had hoped to bring back Gload but the defending NL champs capitalized on the opportunity and signed him to a two year deal. Big loss for the Fish as he was a reliable pinch hitter and a good defensive first baseman.

Two veteran players are leaving the Fish. Earlier today, the Marlins declined Ross Gload’s $2.6 million option and he is now a free agent. Also filing for free agency was reliever Brendan Donnelly.

With Spring Training winding down, the Marlins traded Robert Andino, who was out of options, to the Baltimore Orioles for right-handed reliever Hayden Penn. Penn hasn’t had a stellar career:

Penn reached the big leagues with the Orioles in 2005, and he’s appeared in seven Grapefruit League games this spring. The right-hander is 0-3 with a 10.06 ERA in 17 innings.

The 24-year-old Penn was 0-4 with a 15.10 ERA in six starts last year, logging 19 2/3 innings.

Additionally, the Fish found a left-handed hitter to come off the bench. The Marlins acquired 33-year old Ross Gload and cash from the Kansas City Royals for a player to be named later.