Miami Marlins morning news: Saltalamacchia becomes free agent

Marlins News

Jarrod Saltalamacchia, the former World Series champion, has been released by the Marlins after more than a season of sub-par play. The Fish could still be on the hook for $14 million of the $21 million contract he signed in 2013 if he signs for another team.

Christian Yelich could be reinstated from the disabled list and rejoin the team as soon as Thursday in San Francisco. The left fielder has been out with a bulging disc in his back for the best part of a month.

Michael Morse hasn't had a good start to the 2015 season, as his average currently sits at .193. He has been benched in favor of Justin Bour recently, but remains optimistic for the rest of the year.

The aforementioned Bour has impressed since being called up from AAA as a result of the Marlins' injury woes. His home run on Monday demonstrated his potential.

Salty is gone. The decision was made largely because of the play of J.T. Realmuto, but is he really the catcher of the future that he has been dubbed as?

Around the League

The Houston Astros have been the surprise of 2015 so far after reeling off a ten game win streak this past week. They could possibly become even better before the season is through with the addition of a top prospect.

Jameson Axford, son of Rockies closer John Axford, will throw out the first pitch at Coors Field on Friday. The 2 year-old spent four weeks in an intensive care unit earlier this year after being bitten by a rattlesnake not once, but twice.

To pay, or not to pay? Alex Rodriguez is due $6 million from the Yankees for hitting his Willie Mays-tying 660th home run. There will probably be a press conference on this issue, but how will it go?

The Atlanta Braves have been inconsistent this season, Shelby Miller has not. The right-hander only needed 99 pitches to shutout the Phillies on Tuesday, which lowered his ERA to 1.66.

At Fish Stripes

Marlins vs. Nationals: Game 27 Thread and Icthyomancy - Fish Stripes

Miami won a close one in DC last night as the bullpen redeemed itself. Relive the game as it happened with the game thread.

Christian Yelich and the sophomore slump, part 2 - Fish Stripes

Yelich has struggled in the games he has played in so far. However, there is hope as some sophomores have been able to shake off early-season struggles in the past.

Miami Marlins starting pitcher confidence index - Fish Stripes

The rotation has been hit with injuries early. On the whole, the starting five has been average so far. How confident should we be with each pitcher moving forward?

Miami Marlins' Christian Yelich set to return this week - Fish Stripes

The rehab stint has gone well, and Yelich could possibly be in the lineup again in San Francisco.