Miami Marlins everyday shortstop and leadoff hitter Xavier Edwards has been placed on the 10-day injured list with a left mid back strain. Edwards was off to an underwhelming start this season, slashing .263/.337/.292 with zero home runs, 11 stolen bases and poor SS defense. Still, he was a constant presence in the lineup, so his absence creates interesting ripple effects.
It is good news for the longevity of Clayton McCullough’s streak of batting order alterations. Through 45 games, the Marlins have used 45 different orders. The absurdity of that almost makes it seem intentional. Fish On First’s Isaac Azout believes AgustÃn RamÃrez could be Miami’s leadoff hitter against left-handed starters, though that theory won’t be tested until the Los Angeles Angels series this weekend.
On the other hand, it is bad news for Edwards’ pursuit of 60 steals. Even if cleared to return by the end of this month, he would have to average approximately one SB every other game through season’s end to get there.
Otto Lopez returned from the IL in a corresponding roster move, immediately contributing to Sunday’s win. Reading between the lines of Sunday’s postgame comments, it sounds like Lopez and Javier Sanoja will start most games at second base and shortstop, respectively, with Lopez handling SS and Ronny Simon filling in at 2B on days when Sanoja sits.
Down on the farm, Triple-A Jacksonville lost, 6-5. Jacob Berry extended his hit streak to five games and homered for the first time since April 30 as he gradually digs out of a season-opening slump. Double-A Pensacola won, 5-1. Nathan Martorella went 3-for-3 with a hit by pitch. High-A Beloit won, 8-6. Payton Green has recorded multiple hits in six of his last seven games. Gabe Bierman picked up the save and has gone 16 ⅓ consecutive innings without allowing an earned run. Low-A Jupiter lost, 8-4. Dillon Head finished the series 8-for-8 on stolen base attempts. He’s gone 17-for-19 this season overall.
More Marlins news and content below:
🔷 We have to talk about Liam Hicks, who continues to prove me wrong. When Nick Fortes was reinstated from the IL, I expected Hicks to be buried on the bench. Instead, he has added another dimension to his game by popping three homers since then to boost his season slash line to .282/.352/.487 (130 wRC+). The Rule 5 rookie has not struck out in more than a month!!! Hicks gained some experience at first base with his previous organizations. The Marlins should be using him there occasionally to keep his bat in the lineup.
🔷 Check out Sunday’s State of the Fish show, featuring Kevin Barral, Louis Addeo-Weiss and I.
🔷 Christina De Nicola of MLB.com handed out awards for the first quarter of the Marlins season. She selected Kyle Stowers for MVP, Ronny Henriquez for Cy Young, AgustÃn RamÃrez for best rookie and Hicks for best newcomer.
🔷 The Prediction Time leaderboard has been updated through the first 15 series. The Rays series was picked perfectly by @Richard. Become a SuperSub and we’ll keep track of your predictions all season long!
🔷 Elsewhere around baseball, Philadelphia Phillies star reliever José Alvarado has been suspended 80 games for a positive PED test. He’ll also be ineligible for the postseason should the Phillies qualify. Former Phillies first-round draft pick Mick Abel tossed six scoreless innings in his major league debut. The Los Angeles Dodgers released Chris Taylor, who played more than 1,000 games with them and was named MVP of the 2017 NLCS. The reigning champs were shockingly swept at home by the Angels in a three-game set. Jack Leiter carried a no-hitter through 6 ⅔ innings against the Houston Astros, but had to settle for a no-decision when the Texas Rangers bullpen faltered. Pittsburgh Pirates right-hander Jared Jones is likely to undergo Tommy John surgery.
🔷 Today’s MLB game: it’s a rematch between the Marlins (probable starter RHP Edward Cabrera) and Chicago Cubs (RHP Ben Brown). Cabrera will take the mound on eight days’ rest after experiencing a fluid build-up in his fingernail. Should the issue resurface early in the game, Valente Bellozo is available to provide length out of the bullpen. The Marlins have a 44.3% chance to win, per FanGraphs. First pitch at 6:40 p.m. ET.
🔷 Today’s MiLB schedule:Â
FCL Marlins at FCL Mets, 12:00 p.m. ET
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Marlins podcast episodes
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