Initially chosen in the third round of the 2015 MLB Amateur Draft by the Houston Astros, the Miami Marlins got him in December’s rule 5 draft.
Players acquired in such a way have special rules as to how they are engaged in the first season after their selection. Mostly, the parent club, in this case the Miami Marlins, must keep the player on the active roster through the season.
Of course, allowances must be made for injury, and Ferrell was placed on the injured list after Spring Training with right biceps tendinitis. After a few weeks on the 10-day IL, he was transferred to the 60-day list.