Despaigne could be the leading candidate to start Thursday against the Phillies after fifth starter Justin Nicolino was used in relief in Monday's loss to the Nationals.
Despaigne has largely served as a long man out of the bullpen since being recalled from Triple-A New Orleans in late July, but due to the team's heavy schedule last week, the right-hander was needed as a temporary sixth starter. He took the hill Saturday against the Padres and spun a gem, tossing six innings of one-run ball in a no decision. With Nicolino having failed to escape the third inning in his previous start Aug. 23 and now sitting on a 5.86 ERA for the season, the suddenly playoff-contending Marlins may be eager to see if Despaigne can provide an upgrade at the back end of the rotation.