Miami Marlins morning news: Club to use 'regular' lineup

Marlins News

With opening day just two weeks away, the Marlins plan to use their regular lineup more consistently, according to MLB.com's Joe Frisaro. Giancarlo Stanton and Michael Morse included.

The Marlins are planning on going with most of their regular lineup over the next few days. However, several of the primary relievers will be throwing in Minor League games on Monday.

With the Mets at Roger Dean Stadium on Monday, Miami plans to avoid using its main bullpen arms against a division rival. From an evaluation standpoint, a number of relievers competing for roster spots will be used in Grapefruit League games.

Miami made the Christian Yelich extension official on Sunday afternoon in Jupiter. Seven-years, $49 million. Lot of money, but not Stanton-like money.

The Marlins fell to the Nationals 4-2 on Saturday afternoon. Jordan Zimmermann and Henderson Alvarez had a quick exchange, with Zimmermann looking at Alvarez and asking "can I help you?"

Several roster spots are still up for grabs, with a pair of bench spots and bullpen spots still available. Nick Masset and Andrew McKirahan are bullpen possibilities, with Reid Brignac, Reed Johnson, and Donovan Solano still battling for a spot on Miami's bench.

Frisaro notes the Marlins could deal a pitcher before the end of spring, with Mike Dunn, McKirahan, and Brad Hand all drawing a significant amount of interest.

Reed Johnson is trying to win a spot on the Marlins' bench, and is hoping to serve as the club's primary right-handed pinch hitter in 2015.

Reid Brignac could be making his last stop. In Miami.

Around The League

Juan Lagares hit an inside the park home run. And Jose Pirela suffered.

A pair of days after spraining his ankle, Stephen Strasburg says he is OK. Just trying to get the swelling down.

Baltimore top pitching prospect Hunter Harvey will be sidelined with a right fibula fracture. He was hit by a line drive on Saturday during a minor league game.

Nick Markakis is ready following neck surgery. He is expected to make his spring debut with the Braves on Monday.

At Fish Stripes

-Miami Marlins' 'culture of baseball' getting bigger - Fish Stripes

Reid Brignac is trying to win a bench spot and has noticed baseball in Florida is becoming increasingly popular.

-Christian Yelich signing: A unique player with interesting upside - Fish Stripes

The Miami Marlins signed Christian Yelich to be a long-term member of their top-notch outfield. Just how much better can he be in future years? What is his upside?

-Miami Marlins pregame notes 3/20: Dan Haren to make fourth start - Fish Stripes

Haren will be on the mound, and Ichiro Suzuki will be batting leadoff.

-Miami Marlins' Christian Yelich 'perfect player to build around' - Fish Stripes

The 23-year old received a seven year, $49 million extension.