I knew the number would be high, but didn’t expect to be this high. Barely a year and a half into Peter Bendix’s tenure, the Miami Marlins have acquired 20 different players via waiver claims. That doesn’t even count those claimed by them multiple times and trades for cash considerations, which are essentially deluxe waiver claims.
Right-handed reliever Ronny Henriquez is one of Miami’s most recent waiver wire pickups, and he’s already proving to be one of their most impactful. The former Minnesota Twins farmhand has had 10 scoreless appearances in a row, lowering his ERA to 1.78 and culminating in his first career save on Sunday. Henriquez can put batters away with four different pitches, though he typically does it with elevated fastballs and low-and-away sweepers.
Otto Lopez has separated himself from the pack as a well-rounded, everyday middle infielder, contributing 3.1 fWAR since debuting for the Fish. The rest of the rankings will surely change as the 2025 season wears on, but I currently have Henriquez right behind Derek Hill as the third-best waiver claim of the Bendix era:
Down on the farm, Triple-A Jacksonville lost, 7-3. Freddy Tarnok had his worst appearance of the year (2.0 IP, 4 H, 5 ER, 6 BB, 1 K, 61 pitches/30 strikes). Double-A Pensacola lost, 6-2. The Blue Wahoos were swept in their six-game series hosting the Birmingham Barons. High-A Beloit lost, 5-1. It’s been a rough transition for recently promoted outfielder Jacob Jenkins-Cowart (2-for-33 since joining the Sky Carp). Low-A Jupiter won, 4-3. Andrés Valor homered for the first time since April 11. He’s also been successful on nine straight stolen base attempts.
More Marlins news and content below:
🔷 Edward Cabrera‘s scoreless start on Sunday was among the best of his Marlins career. His breaking balls were especially effective—he registered seven strikeouts and 13 total whiffs on sliders and curveballs. Cabrera lowered his season FIP to 4.16, which is on pace to be a career-best.
🔷 I explained how opposing pitchers have been relentlessly attacking Matt Mervis with fastballs since his hot start to the season. Mervis has not driven in a run since April 23.
🔷 The Marlins held a swing-decision competition during their last homestand, as MLB.com’s Christina De Nicola detailed.
🔷 The Prediction Time leaderboard has been updated through the first 17 series. Become a SuperSub and we’ll keep track of your predictions all season long!
🔷 Elsewhere around baseball, reigning American League Cy Young award winner Tarik Skubal threw his first career shutout, striking out 13 batters and finishing the game with a 103 mph heater. Promising Pittsburgh Pirates right-hander Jared Jones underwent Tommy John surgery. A five-game winning streak has carried the Tampa Bay Rays into second place in the AL East. The Athletics snapped their 11-game losing skid by upsetting the Philadelphia Phillies. The Colorado Rockies lost their 17th consecutive series to begin the season. Former Marlin Jean Segura announced his retirement.
🔷 Today’s MLB game: the Marlins (probable starter LHP Ryan Weathers) continue their road trip by opening a series against the San Diego Padres (RHP Randy Vásquez). The Padres are coming off a victory on Sunday, but they lost seven of their previous eight contests, largely because of a lethargic offense. Old friend Luis Arraez is only hitting .284 this season. The Marlins have a 42.5% chance to win, per FanGraphs. First pitch at 8:40 p.m. ET.
🔷 Prior to the game, Fish On First LIVE will preview the series beginning at 6:00 p.m. ET. FOF LIVE is presented by About The Fans. Check out our new merchandise collection (coupon code fof10 for 10% off).
🔷 Today’s MiLB schedule:Â
FCL Marlins at FCL Nationals, 12:00 p.m. ET
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Marlins podcast episodes
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