This story was excerpted from Christina De Nicola’s Marlins Beat e-newsletter. To learn the total e-newsletter, click on right here. And subscribe to get it repeatedly in your inbox.
The All-Star break is completed, and thus begins — for my part — the stretch run.
The Marlins (53-39) have the fourth-most wins within the Majors and maintain the highest National League Wild Card spot with 70 video games remaining on their schedule. It is not going to get simpler, with matchups towards the Orioles, Rays and Phillies earlier than the Aug. 1 Trade Deadline.
Will normal supervisor Kim Ng experience the present group’s chemistry? Will she add key items to jolt the lineup?
“That definitely enters into the equation for sure,” Ng mentioned. “But we do have choices to make, and so that you make them, you ponder them, you speak to lots of people — whether or not it is [manager] Skip [Schumaker] and the workers — whether or not it is your scouts, participant growth individuals. You actually simply attempt to collect essentially the most data that you could and attempt to be actually considerate concerning the choices that you just make.”
What we realized within the first half: Never rely them out
In order to compile a 21-6 document in one-run video games, a membership should possess a mix of issues: the power to execute, a powerful bullpen, a little bit of luck and a rising sense of perception. Not solely are the Marlins 44-2 when main after eight innings, however in addition they have 25 comeback wins as a result of the lineup has scored 151 runs within the seventh inning or later — third most within the Majors.
Likely Trade Deadline technique: Buyers if there’s a match
As certainly one of MLB’s shock golf equipment, the Marlins are able to be consumers for the primary time in Ng’s tenure. As was the case final Deadline, nevertheless, they won’t make a transfer until they obtain acceptable worth in return. Unfortunately for Miami, it isn’t a lot of a purchaser’s market in the intervening time, with different golf equipment nonetheless attempting to determine the place they stand. Adding an impression hitter will proceed being the main target.
Key participant: Jazz Chisholm Jr.
Right-handed-heavy Miami has had Jazz Chisholm Jr. within the lineup for simply 45 video games attributable to accidents. His numbers appear pedestrian (102 OPS+), however he is a left-handed energy hitter with game-changing velocity.
Prior to a turf toe harm, Chisholm had gone deep in consecutive video games. Before straining his left indirect, he was slugging .696 in six video games since getting back from the injured checklist. During their restricted time collectively, Chisholm and Luis Arraez fed off one another to spark Miami’s offense.
Prospect to look at: Sean Reynolds (No. 23)
Since Eury Pérez has graduated from prospect standing, Reynolds, a 25-year-old transformed pitcher, could possibly be that dude within the second half. The 6-foot-8 flamethrower was simply optioned with out making an look in his first MLB stint, however he has a triple-digit fastball and shutting expertise within the Minor Leagues.
The Marlins have 4 high-leverage lefties within the bullpen, however they’re mild on righties. The alternative is there for the taking for Reynolds.
Content Source: www.mlb.com