We lead off today with a bunch of Miami Marlins farm system updates.

The Marlins claimed Joey Wiemer off waivers and optioned him to Triple-A Jacksonville. A few years ago, Wiemer looked to be emerging as an intriguing outfielder with plus power and defensive aptitude. He has had a lot of trouble tapping into that game power recently, though, with a .312 slugging percentage in Triple-A during each of the last two seasons. He’s doubtful to get more than a cup of coffee in Miami down the stretch—rather, the Marlins are focused on fixing him for 2026, when he’ll be out of minor league options.

Brock Vradenburg was released barely two years after being selected him in the third round of the 2023 MLB Draft and signing for $916,000. Vradenburg boosted his draft stock with terrific offensive output in his junior season at Michigan State (13 HR and 175 wRC+ in 55 G), but his power hasn’t translated at all to the pros (13 HR and 90 wRC+ in 225 G). It’s unusual to see early-round picks receive such a short leash; then again, the decision-makers responsible for picking him are no longer with the organization.

For the second time in as many days, a pending free agent reliever was traded for cash considerations. Right-hander Austin Roberts, a former minor league Rule 5 Draft pick, has been dealt to the Milwaukee Brewers. As a reminder, last week’s MLB trade deadline only applied to players on 40-man rosters. Roberts accrued a farm system-leading 122 appearances over the last three seasons and excelled as Double-A Pensacola’s closer for most of 2024. There’s nothing deeply flawed about him—just wasn’t going to be in the club’s plans, so the Marlins got whatever compensation they could.

Marlins affiliates in U.S. domestic leagues enter Tuesday with an even .500 winning percentage, but they are mostly doing it with legitimate prospects instead of older depth placeholders, as J.J. Cooper of Baseball America details. By weighted age, their affiliates have the third-youngest pitchers and tied for the fifth-youngest hitters.

On the field, Kemp Alderman was named Southern League Player of the Week for the third time this season. Alderman ranks sixth among Southern League qualifiers with a 132 wRC+ this season. Julio Mendez was named Florida State League Pitcher of the Week. DSL Marlins won, 5-1. Luis Cova played his 100th career game in the Dominican Summer League. His overall stats are excellent—.265/.398/.434 slash line with 69 stolen bases and more walks (67) than strikeouts (60). DSL Miami won, 12-7. Eiver Mosquera (3.2 IP, 4 H, 5 ER, 2 BB, 3 K) came down to earth after entering the day with a 0.87 ERA in his previous 20 ⅔ innings pitched, but his teammates scored 12 unanswered runs following his exit. José Castro hit his 13th homer, the highest single-season total on record for a Marlins prospect in a foreign rookie ball league.

The Marlins are six games back of the San Diego Padres for a National League postseason spot.

More Marlins news and content below:

🔷 Derek Hill made his return from a left middle finger sprain and homered in his first plate appearance. Jack Winkler was designated for assignment in a corresponding roster move.

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🔷 Anthony Veneziano is no longer in DFA limbo after being claimed off waivers by the St. Louis Cardinals. In 34 MLB appearances with Miami, Veneziano posted a 4.18 ERA, 4.46 FIP and .278 BAA in 32 ⅓ innings pitched.

🔷 Sandy Alcantara was hit hard by the Houston Astros, particularly during a five-run top of the fourth inning.

🔷 Sean McCormack highlights the best picks that the Marlins made in last month’s draft, ranging from first-rounder Aiva Arquette to 16th-rounder RJ Shunck.

🔷 Happy 28th birthday to Braxton Garrett. The former Marlins first-round draft pick has a lifetime 4.03 ERA, 3.84 FIP and .260 BAA in 326 â…“ innings pitched across parts of five MLB seasons. He’s been spending all of 2025 rehabbing from elbow surgery.

🔷 Just Baseball is organizing a meet-up at loanDepot park on August 23, offering a variety of giveaways for those purchasing tickets for that afternoon’s Marlins game against the Toronto Blue Jays. Details here.

🔷 Elsewhere around baseball, the New York Yankees bullpen blew it again, allowing a game-tying home run to Joc Pederson in the ninth inning and a walk-off homer to Josh Jung in the 10th. Chicago Cubs trade acquisition Michael Soroka suffered a shoulder injury in his debut with the club and has been placed on the 15-day IL.

🔷 Today’s MLB game: steady Cal Quantrill starts for the Marlins against the Astros, who’ll be using an opener. The Marlins have a 41.3% chance to win, per FanGraphs. First pitch at 6:40 p.m. ET.

 

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