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Coming into 2014, many experts and analysts pegged Nathan Eovaldi as a potential breakout candidate. Henderson Alvarez is the member of the Marlin’s rotation that has taken the biggest stride this season, and Eovaldi has struggled to find consistency.
One of the Marlins larger additions this offseason was a replacement for Logan Morrison at first base. Morrison had made the transition to first from left field during the 2013 season and the results were less than stellar. His bat, which always held unrealized potential, looked even worse in the context of a first baseman, he continually struggled to stay healthy, and his defense looked like he was begging his way to an American League team so he could fill a DH role.
-Brad Penny finds a new home at Marlins Park - Miami Marlins - MiamiHerald.com
Carter Capps is throwing in Jupiter and could be available to the Marlins bullpen in September if he continues to progress. "He’s throwing bullpens and he’s been feeling great," said manager Mike Redmond of Capps, who has been on the disabled list since late May with a right elbow sprain. "I think that’s [September] when we’re kind of anticipating him being ready to go. It might be a little bit before."
-Dan Jennings reflects, Ozuna's slump, Furcal to undergo surgery | Fish Bytes
It's official. Rafael Furcal is done for the season. Marlins manager Mike Redmond said Furcal will undergo hamstring surgery next week to remove scar tissue. Furcal, who the Marlins signed to a $3.5 million deal thinking he would be their everyday second baseman, has spent pretty much the entire season on the disabled list with leg injuries. He appeared in only nine games and hit .171.
-Miami Marlins: Marcell Ozuna and Brett Butler devise entertaining pregame handshake - Sun Sentinel
Elaborate player handshakes are nothing new. Marcell Ozuna has his pregame rituals with several teammates, and he’s even gotten the coaches involved. Ozuna and third-base coach Brett Butler have an involved pregame greeting that seems to involve just about everything but twerking. They seemed to have perfected the current versions after some more simplistic test runs.
-Miami Marlins notes: Donovan Solano holds his own against game's best pitchers - Sun Sentinel
Only Casey McGehee (.322) through Tuesday had a higher batting average among Marlins' position players than Donovan Solano (.286) against pitchers with sub-3.51 earned run averages.
-Ozuna's unique handshake an internet sensation | marlins.com: News
It's not the first time Marlins antics have gone viral on Twitter. At the end of July, right-hander Tom Koehler got some attention for trying to "dunk on" Jarrod Saltalamacchia in the dugout in Houston.
-Marlins know they need more clutch hits for push | marlins.com: News
With the next two series coming against losing teams in the D-backs and Rangers, now is as good a time as any for the Marlins to gain some ground in the National League Wild Card race. But to do so, they'll have to turn around their offensive woes and pick up those elusive big hits.
-Reflective Jennings eyes September return | marlins.com: News
A week after being struck on the side of the head by a line drive, Dan Jennings was playing catch Thursday at Marlins Park and anticipating a return to game action by September. The injury that took place at PNC Park in Pittsburgh on Aug. 7 left Jennings with a concussion and increased perspective on what is truly important in life.
-Arizona Diamondbacks at Miami Marlins - August 14, 2014 | MLB.com MIA Recap
Contenders find a way. The Marlins did just that on Thursday night, walking off against the D-backs, 5-4, on Marcell Ozuna's RBI double in the 10th inning. For most of the night, the Marlins missed chances, stranding 11 on base.
Around The League
Domingo Santana was recently sent back to the minors, ensuring that he'll wait at least 10 more days before his first MLB hit -- a milestone he's been pursuing since his July 1 debut. Plenty of successful big leaguers, however, went hitless in their opening at-bats.
-Pirates claim Indians reliever John Axford off waivers | MLB.com: News
John Axford settled in as a solid option as a middle reliever for the Tribe, but it became increasingly clear that he was not part of the team's long-term plans. On Thursday, Cleveland made that crystal clear by allowing Axford to be claimed off waivers by Pittsburgh.
-Rangers' Yu Darvish has mild right elbow inflammation | MLB.com: News
Rangers right-hander Yu Darvish, who underwent an MRI exam on Thursday, has been diagnosed with mild inflammation in his right elbow. The examination showed no indications of a long-term problem.
-Rob Manfred to succeed Bud Selig as next Commissioner | MLB.com: News
Rob Manfred was elected in a 30-0 vote Thursday to succeed Commissioner Bud Selig in January, becoming the 10th person to hold the industry's highest office.
At Fish Stripes
-Marlins rumors: Miami Marlins may have $75 million payroll next season - Fish Stripes
The Miami Marlins may boast a hefty increase in payroll next season in the team's efforts to surround Giancarlo Stanton with a contending ballclub. What can Miami do with that kind of money?
-Miami Marlins news: Derek Dietrich, Carter Capps likely to return in September - Fish Stripes
Carter Capps and Derek Dietrich have both spent a significant amount of time on the disabled list, but will both likely return in September. Capps adds a power arm to the bullpen, while Dietrich could see consistent time at second base.
-A modest Jacob Turner comparison - Fish Stripes
The Miami Marlins traded Jacob Turner for essentially nothing last week. But has he been bad enough to be traded like that? Here's a modest comparison of him with some other pitchers with whom you may be familiar.
-Giancarlo Stanton rumors: Miami Marlins wouldn't seek prospects in trade - Fish Stripes
The Miami Marlins have made it clear they do not want to trade their star right fielder. But if they do, MLB.com's Joe Frisaro was told prospects are not what the team would be looking for.
-Giancarlo Stanton close to the favorite for NL MVP - Fish Stripes
As the Marlins' record continues to improve, so does the MVP possibilities of Giancarlo Stanton. In this piece, we take a look at his 2014 season and examine his odds of being the next NL MVP.
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