Marlins Morning News: Smart defense paying off

Marlins News

The Marlins have taken a different approach to fielding to start the 2017 season, opting to employ the shift much more frequently which is paying dividends thus far. One of the key cogs in the new defensive scheme has been Miguel Rojas, who is starting to show that he may just be good enough to play full-time in the infield for Miami.

The Marlins, in collaboration with Major League Baseball, are pledging five million dollars to the All-Star Legacy initiative, which will help to support local baseball programs in the Miami-Dade area.

After a tough start to the year, David Phelps is beginning to find his feet, and that can only mean good things for Miami and their aspiration to have the best bullpen in the National League.

Should the Marlins be relying so heavily on their bullpen this early in the season?

The Marlins have started the season fairly well, and that is something to be celebrated for this franchise after the past few seasons.

Around the League

MLB home run leader Eric Thames was at it again last night as he hit his ninth and tenth homers in his first two at bats against the Reds.

Dustin Pedroia is still feeling the effects of a hard slide into second base by Manny Machado on Friday, but after further examination he has so far avoided a trip to the DL, and he is listed as day-to-day.

Sergio Romo may no longer be a member of the Giants, but he is certainly relishing being back in AT&T Park.

The Dodgers have placed outfielder Joc Pederson on the disabled list with a groin strain. Pederson is the 12th player Los Angeles has been forced to put on the disabled list since Opening Day.

Madison Bumgarner has admitted that riding a dirt bike on an off-day was not the most sensible idea, although he said he was not being reckless at the time of the accident.

Watch out Dodgers and Giants, Colorado and Arizona may be about to flip the script in the NL West.