Arraez seeks gold addition to trophy assortment in ’23

NEW YORK — When they acquired infielder Luis Arraez from the Twins in January, the Marlins knew he was going to be a constant hitter. To this level, he’s proved them proper. Continuing his momentum from profitable the American League batting title in 2022, Arraez has gone 14-for-30 (.467) in his first 9 video games.

However, the Marlins have been pleasantly shocked by Arraez’s protection at second base. Entering Sunday’s motion in opposition to the Mets, when he celebrated his twenty sixth birthday, Arraez hasn’t made an error in 31 possibilities. But it’s extra than simply the errorless streak that has impressed the Marlins’ brass.

“I knew he was an average fielder,” basic supervisor Kim Ng stated. “But from what I’ve seen, the range has been better than I thought it would be. The agility and hands have been better than I thought it would be. When you are watching him every day, you definitely grow a better appreciation for what he does on a daily basis.”

Arraez wasn’t enjoying second base for many of Spring Training. He was enjoying first base for Team Venezuela within the World Baseball Classic, however Arraez practiced with coach Ramon Borrego at second base earlier than the event began. Once he returned to the Marlins, he labored vigorously with third-base coach Jody Reed.

“I [go to the Marlins] and do my routine every day,” Arraez stated. “We practice [game situations] and I do it in the game, too,”

During his 5 years within the huge leagues, Arraez has performed all the infield positions and left area, however he made it clear Sunday that second base is the place he needs to play for the remainder of his profession. He additionally has loftier goals of {hardware} and accolades in his head.

“I love second base. It’s my favorite position,” Arraez stated. “I need to play baseball hard and make the plays. Let’s see if I win the Gold Glove.”