Miami Marlins morning news: Hill opens up on stretch run

Marlins News

Fresh off a sweep of the Pirates, the Marlins have regained momentum as they prepare for the stretch run, but a few obstacles are in their way, and Michael Hill has given his opinions on some of them.

The success in Pittsburgh was down to the starting pitching, as Jose Urena, David Phelps, and Tom Koehler all set the tone in the three key victories against a Wild Card rival.

It was a big blow when Miami lost slugger Giancarlo Stanton to the DL, but his recovery is going well and he may be able to play before the end of the regular season.

It took a while, but Fernando Rodney is finally pitching like the reliever the Marlins traded for, and with A.J. Ramos back from injury, Miami has the ninth inning covered.

It has come to light that the Marlins had an agreement with the Diamondbacks to trade for Shelby Miller before the Trade Deadline.

A collection of links about Jeff Francoeur, Ichiro and David Phelps can be found here.

Around the League

Adrian Gonzalez hit three of LA’s seven home runs as the Dodgers crushed the Reds 18-9.

Stephen Strasburg is headed to the DL with elbow soreness, an issue which has been bothering him since the All-Star Break.

Steven Matz has also picked up an injury and will miss at least one start for the Mets with shoulder tightness.

The Pirates and David Freese have agreed on a contract extension which will see the veteran infielder make at least $11 million in guaranteed money over the next two seasons.

Freddy Galvis hit a foul ball which struck a little girl in the stands on Saturday, and then slammed Major League Baseball and their safety policies.

The Blue Jays have demoted Cy Young candidate Aaron Sanchez to Single-A. Why would they do such a thing?