Miami Marlins morning news: Haren struggles in final Spring Training start

Marlins News

In what was his final start of the spring, Dan Haren struggled yesterday in the Marlins' 7-1 loss to the Mets. After a strong start where he sat down the first 11 hitters he faced, Haren ended the day giving up seven runs on six hits in 5 1/3 innings.  Haren, who has had a pretty solid spring, had this to say after the game, via MLB.com's Joe Frisaro:

"Nothing is easy for me. It's never easy," Haren said. "I was pretty successful until that last inning. I was just one or two pitches away from getting out of it. I couldn't make the pitches at the right times. It's tough to get up there about 90 pitches and get into a jam, especially at this point of Spring Training. It's tough, especially going through the middle of their lineup."

The biggest highlights for the Fish at the plate yesterday was Dee Gordon and Michael Morse continuing their hot streaks this spring.

The Marlins made a couple of roster moves yesterday by releasing Reed Johnson and optioning bullpen-arm Preston Claiborne to Triple-A.

Even after making some strides at the plate last season, Adeiny Hechavarria remains a debated player among Marlins fans.  Regardless, Hech is looking to improve his game even this season with more consistency.

The Marlins have been a hot topic in national publications, such as ESPN and Sports Illustrated.  Now you can now add Rolling Stone to that list.

Around the League

The Cubs sent down their top prospect, Kris Bryant, yesterday after he hit nine home-runs and drove in 14 runs this spring.  Chicago also sent down two other top-prospects in Addison Russell and Javier Baez.

The Seattle Mariners just missed out on the playoffs last season.  After adding Nelson Cruz in the offseason, the Mariners have their sights set on the World Series.

The Mets are open to trading Dillion Gee, as they have a lot of starting pitching depth behind him.

Justin Verlander's status is still unknown as he recovers from a right triceps injury he suffered earlier in camp.

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