Phase 1 of fan voting for the 2025 MLB All-Star starters is underway. Now through 12:00 p.m. ET on June 26, you can vote up to five times per day. The following Miami Marlins players are listed on the National League side of the ballot: Agustín Ramírez (catcher), Eric Wagaman (first base), Xavier Edwards (second base), Connor Norby (third base), Otto Lopez (shortstop), Dane Myers (outfield), Jesús Sánchez (outfield), Kyle Stowers (outfield) and Nick Fortes (designated hitter).
With all due respect to one of the longest-tenured active Marlins, what is Fortes doing there? The veteran backstop missed several weeks because of an oblique injury, and since returning, he’s been in a deep slump.
Even more pertinent, Fortes has not started a game at DH all season! The Marlins have churned through 12 other starters in that spot instead, including rookie Liam Hicks, who is the team’s best hitter on a per-plate-appearance basis. Hicks laps Fortes in every offensive category:
Ultimately, it makes no difference whatsoever. The last Marlin to be a fan-elected All-Star starter was Jazz Chisholm Jr. in 2022 and that drought is certain to continue this year. Just an awkward situation when Hicks is so obviously more deserving of the acknowledgement.
Down on the farm, Triple-A Jacksonville won, 6-2. Big offensive performance by Graham Pauley (2-2, 2 BB, RBI, SB). He’s slashing .318/.360/.591 since being demoted last week. Double-A Pensacola won, 7-4. Evan Fitterer (6.0 IP, 2 H, 0 ER, 1 BB, 5 K, 80 pitches/53 strikes) continues to have an effective season. High-A Beloit won, 5-4. Payton Green walked, doubled and homered. Low-A Jupiter lost, 6-1. As if often the case with the Hammerheads, too many walks allowed (eight) and errors committed (three). FCL Marlins lost, 6-3 (completing a game that was previously suspended due to rain). DSL Marlins lost, 7-1. Almen Tolentino is tied for the Dominican Summer League lead with three home runs. DSL Miami was leading, 7-4, before there game was suspended in the fifth inning.
More Marlins news and content below:
🔷 Sean McCormack makes the case that Ronny Henriquez should take over as the Marlins’ closer. Henriquez recorded his first and only career save on May 25.
🔷 Christina De Nicola of MLB.com details how the Marlins celebrated Lou Gehrig Day at loanDepot park.
🔷 Elsewhere around baseball, the Chicago White Sox announced a long-term ownership investment agreement. As early as 2029, Justin Ishbia could obtain controlling interest in the franchise from Jerry Reinsdorf. The Atlanta Braves collapsed against the Arizona Diamondbacks, taking a 10-4 lead into the ninth inning, only to lose, 11-10. The Baltimore Orioles still have a pulse after sweeping back-to-back series.
🔷 Today’s MLB game: we’re opening up another installment of the Citrus Series between the Marlins (probable starter RHP Edward Cabrera) and the Tampa Bay Rays (RHP Zack Littell). The Marlins have a 45.7% chance to win, per FanGraphs. Deferring to a Metallica concert being held tonight near George M. Steinbrenner Field, first pitch will be unconventionally early at 1:10 p.m. ET.
🔷 Today’s MiLB schedule:
Triple-A Jacksonville vs. Durham, 7:05 p.m. ET
Double-A Pensacola vs. Columbus, 7:05 p.m. ET
High-A Beloit vs. Fort Wayne, 7:05 p.m. ET
Low-A Jupiter vs. Tampa, 6:30 p.m. ET
DSL Marlins vs. DSL NYY Yankees, 11:00 a.m. ET
DSL Miami at DSL Rangers Red, 11:00 a.m. ET
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