Nathan Eovaldi: 3 Things You Need to Know About Marlins' New Prospect

The Miami Marlins have finally relieved themselves of troublesome superstar Hanley Ramirez this summer.

The 28-year-old has been sent to Hollywood, where his drama will be more appreciated by the countless stars in attendance at Dodger Stadium (via Official Twitter of MLB):

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SOURCE: Dodgers get Hanley, LHP Randy Choate from Marlins in trade for RHP Nathan Eovaldi, player to be named later: atmlb.com/Nuk0Hb

— MLB (@MLB) July 25, 2012"

Miami acquired young right-handed pitcher Nathan Eovaldi early on Wednesday morning in the deal, which sends disgruntled star Hanley Ramirez and reliever Randy Choate to the Los Angeles Dodgers in exchange for Eovaldi and fellow pitcher Scott McGough, according to FOXSports.com. 

Eovaldi, a native of Alvin, Texas, could provide a positive presence on the mound for Miami as they look to make a push for the playoffs in the NL East this summer and beyond.

Without further ado, here are three things you need to know about the Marlins' new prospect.

He's Not Half Bad In the Majors

Eovaldi boasts a big-league record of 1-6 in 10 starts in 2012. Over that time, the 22-year-old has an ERA of 4.15, which although not exactly mind-blowing, isn't incredibly bad. The Marlins definitely see potential in his game, considering they were willing to bring him over in the Ramirez trade. 

Eovaldi became one of just two Dodgers starters since 1957 to begin his career with four games of five innings or more while allowing two runs or less. Eovaldi joined Danny McDevitt in that rare air after an August 2011 win over the St. Louis Cardinals.

The right-hander started the 2012 season with the Chattanooga Lookouts, who he went 6-5 with in 2011, boasting a 2.62 ERA during that time and earning a Southern League All-Star nod. 

He Had Tommy John Surgery

The newest Miami Marlin had infamous Tommy John surgery during his junior year of high school, which allowed LA to draft him in the 11th round of the 2008 First-Year Player Draft.

According to the LA Dodgers' team website, the franchise used a $250,000 bonus to buy him out of his scholarship to Texas A&M.

Eovaldi's throwing arm seems to be holding up since having the surgery a few years back. He has successfully navigated the minors and worked his way up to the bigs. The only concern could come as he gets older and potentially faces more batters with more starts. 

He Has Something In Common With Nolan Ryan

Eovaldi has something unique in common with current owner, president and CEO of the Texas Rangers and Hall of Fame pitcher Nolan Ryan. Both attended Alvin High School in Texas, except Ryan graduated in 1965, more than four decades before Eovaldi.

Ryan even held the school's senior year strikeout record for 44 years before it was tied by two pitchers in 2009. No doubt Alvin High School has produced some talented pitchers over the years, and perhaps Eovaldi can follow in Nolan Ryan's footsteps as he begins his career in South Beach.

It would be ridiculous to suggest Eovaldi can reach Ryan's level of success, but he is still young and has shown glimpses of greatness. 

Follow Bleacher Report Featured Columnist Patrick Clarke on Twitter.