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Marlins News
Christian Yelich was again hampered by a tight back last night and was a late scratch in Philadelphia. It is unclear how long this injury will keep him sidelined for, but it seems like this could be a recurring problem for the left fielder as Yelich was out with the same issue last week.
Before last night's game, manager Mike Redmond had a private meeting with owner Jeffrey Loria and general manager Dan Jennings. Loria declined to comment, but all signs point towards it being about the poor start to the season by the Fish.
Prior to the loss against the Phillies, the Marlins optioned Jose Urena to Triple-A and selected reliever Nick Masset from New Orleans. Masset pitched a scoreless inning last night and recorded a strikeout. This move gives Miami someone else who can log some innings out of an otherwise exhausted bullpen.
After another loss last night, Mike Redmond's seat will have become a little warmer. Although the Marlins haven't spoken to the Mets about Wally Backman yet, management's hand may be creeping ever closer to the phone.
Miami has largely struggled ever since opening day, and it all starts with poor performances by the rotation. With Henderson Alvarez and Jose Fernandez both injured, the other starters not named Dan Haren haven't been stepping up. What are the possible solutions to this problem?
Around the League
Marlins supporters may be angry, but possibly not as angry as Cincinnati manager Brian Price. The skipper went on an expletive-laden rant amidst a bad stretch of results for the Reds.
MVP candidate Jonathan Lucroy broke his toe after being hit by a foul ball behind the plate on Monday and will miss 4-6 weeks. Things just got worse for the only team below the Marlins in the standings.
The Cubs have called up another talented prospect in Addison Russell. Despite being the youngest active player in the National League, manager Joe Maddon believes that the second baseman will be able to contribute.
The weekend series between the Royals and the A's was heated, to say the least. Royals reliever Kelvin Herrera has been fined and suspended for five games after targeting Oakland's third baseman, Brett Lawrie. This was all in retaliation to a combination of hit batters and "dirty" slides by the Athletics.
At Fish Stripes
Miami Marlins vs. Philadelphia Phillies: Game 14 Thread and Ichthyomancy - Fish Stripes
Follow last night's game as it happened with the game thread.
Former Miami Marlins reliever Andrew McKirahan suspended for PED use - Fish Stripes
The left-hander will be forced to miss 80 games after testing positive for an illegal substance. The Marlins claimed McKirahan from the Cubs in the Rule 5 draft before losing him on waivers to the Braves after spring training.
Not worrying about Christian Yelich's slump - Fish Stripes
Yelich, like many of the other Marlins' hitters, is struggling right now. With only a small sample size to go on, Miami shouldn't be worried about a sophomore slump this early in the season.
Mike Redmond's job should not be in jeopardy - Fish Stripes
Jeffrey Loria has a reputation for not having much patience. Mike Redmond is now apparently on the hot seat, but the Marlins' owner should not fire the manager before even a tenth of the season has been played.