Zephyrs unveil Opening Day roster

The New Orleans Zephyrs have released the preliminary Opening Day roster for the 2016 season, which includes six of the Marlins' top 30 prospects according to MLB Pipeline.

Five of the six ranked prospects - Kyle Barraclough, Brian Ellington, Kendry Flores, Ivan Pineyro and Nick Wittgren - are included on a pitching staff that set a franchise record last year with 15 shutouts and ranked second in the Pacific Coast League with a 3.80 ERA.

Left-hander Justin Nicolino could become only the third pitcher in team history to draw the Opening Day starting assignment in consecutive seasons. Other returnees include right-handers Scott McGough, Andre Rienzo and Jose Urena, and left-handers Cody Ege and Greg Nappo. Newcomers Paul Clemens, Nefi Ogando and Jo-Jo Reyes round out the staff.

Catcher Tomas Telis, the organization's 17th-ranked prospect, batted .333 in 13 games with New Orleans last year upon being acquired in a trade, and returns as the pitching staff's primary batterymate. Adrian Nieto will serve as the backup catcher.

Former LSU star Austin Nola felt right at home upon joining the Z's on July 4 last year by compiling a .327 batting average in 32 games at Zephyr Field and will open at Triple-A for the first time in his career. Versatile veterans Robert Andino and Don Kelly have the ability to play anywhere on the diamond, first baseman Dan Black and third baseman Zach Lutz return stateside following stints in Korea, and Elliot Soto moves up to Triple-A after being traded from the Chicago Cubs last summer.

The outfield features an abundance of speed, starting with Kenny Wilson, who swiped 37 bases with Double-A Jacksonville last year to finish second in the Southern League. Isaac Galloway played in 123 games for the Zephyrs last year and ranked among the PCL leaders with six triples, and former second-round draft pick Destin Hood had multiple seasons with double-digit home runs and stolen bases while in the Washington Nationals system. A first baseman by trade, Xavier Scruggs saw time with the St. Louis Cardinals in each of the last two seasons while also slugging 35 home runs at Triple-A Memphis.

The Zephyrs open the season on Thursday in Omaha before returning to Zephyr Field for the home opener on Friday, April 15 against the Storm Chasers. The first 1,000 adults ages 21 and up will receive a replica NOLA jersey courtesy of Silver Slipper Casino, and the first 3,000 fans will receive a magnet schedule compliments of The Blood Center. Opening Night ceremonies include a military tribute, musical performances, routines by the 610 Stompers and postgame fireworks. Tickets can be purchased online, at the Zephyr Field box office, or by calling the Zephyrs at (504) 734-5155.