MIAMI -- Marlins general manager Kim Ng fielded questions ranging from Starling Marte's future with the organization to top prospects' timeline for nearly 22 minutes prior to Tuesday's game against the Rockies at loanDepot park. Miami returned to South Florida having dropped eight of nine on the road trip, falling to a season-high nine games below .500.

"I think the last 10 days or so have definitely not been where we want to be," Ng said. "I think prior to this period, we were very close to .500, and obviously we had an extraordinarily tough road trip. I think, as I reflect on it, the bullpen has probably been one of the strongest if not the strongest component of the club. When they go through a rough patch, everybody feels it. It's been a rough stretch, no doubt, but I think that all the injuries have hurt us. Hopefully in the next couple of weeks we'll start to see a couple guys back that'll give us a little bit more relief that we need."

On the possibility of an extension for Marte

Marte, acquired at last year's Trade Deadline, had his $12.5 million club option picked up over the winter. The 32-year-old can become a free agent this offseason, which would mark his first time testing the market. Until then, Marte is expected to receive considerable interest on the trade market. Veterans Corey Dickerson and Adam Duvall also have expiring contracts, meaning moves could pave the way for outfield prospects in the second half.

"I have not had any conversations with his representatives about him being here longer term," Ng said. "I think Starling has been a great part of the team. He was hurt for a bit, but we've got him back and obviously, I think he plays a big part for us, so I'm interested in seeing how he does."

On external help for pitching staff

Sandy Alcantara, Pablo López and Trevor Rogers make up a formidable trio, but Miami lost three starting pitchers (Elieser Hernandez, Cody Poteet and Daniel Castano) to the injured list since last Thursday. The depth has been tested all season long.

"We've been looking," Ng said. "We're always looking to improve the club. In terms of the guys that we've brought up, they've done a decent job. But we need more help, and we're constantly looking.

"Obviously we found Cody Poteet, who helped us fill in one of those spots for some time. He's now on the injured list, but we're hoping to get him back at some point here soon. We have Jordan Holloway out on a rehab assignment, so hopefully we'll be getting him back soon. We've got [Nick] Neidert out. We're hoping to get him back in a couple of weeks, so we've got some guys coming back. In terms of looking outside the organization, we have done that. But we're going to continue to look."

• Marlins Injuries & Roster Moves

On whether consideration has been made to call up pitching prospects Max Meyer and Jake Eder

Ng visited Double-A Pensacola on Saturday and Sunday, where Meyer (No. 3 prospect) went five scoreless innings, Eder (No. 24) pitched five perfect innings, JJ Bleday (No. 2) homered and Peyton Burdick (No. 12) tripled. She plans on seeing the other affiliates in the next month or so.

"We have talked about two of these guys, just in terms of their own personal performances and how they've done," Ng said. "Marveled in some ways. But we have not talked about them coming up to the big leagues. I'm not anticipating that being part of our conversation. I would hope that they stay in the Minor Leagues."