Marlins Morning News: Lineup shakeup does the trick

Marlins News

Looking to shake his team out of a funk, Don Mattingly shook up the lineup first. Giancarlo Stanton batted second for just the second time in his career. It worked as the Marlins put up seven runs in the first three innings and went on to beat the A’s 11-9.

Justin Bour had a monster night, going 4-for-5 at the plate with four runs scored, two RBI and his 12th home run. I just hope he gets to face A’s reliever Ryan Dull tomorrow. A Bour vs. Dull matchup would be the very definition of…uninteresting? I used a thesaurus.

Prior to the game the Marlins placed David Phelps on the bereavement list and called up Drew Steckenrider from Triple-A New Orleans to take his spot on the roster. As you might imagine, Steckenrider was in a glass case of emotion in anticipation of his major league debut.

You may have heard the Fish are struggling, having lost 20 of their past 25 entering Tuesday night and with the second-worst record in baseball. (If you haven’t heard, well here’s a recap of the past week.) As we just passed the quarter mark of the season, Sun-Sentinel beat writer Tim Healey offered his “state of the team” and a summary of the season thus far. The Ringer also interviewed him about Giancarlo Stanton’s future with the team.

While things could still turn around, it’s only natural to think about who would bring the best return in a trade. Fire sale talks have begun. Scouts agree and are saying management should “blow it up”. Another SB Nation blog, Minor League Ball, concurs. In the meantime, Don Mattingly is on pace to break the all-time record for ejections in a season.

Remember, it’s a long season. Things could turn around. In the event they don’t, at least you’ll have Jack McKeon’s baseball tales of yore to entertain you.

Around the League

The Rockies became the first NL team to the 30-win mark, beating Philadelphia 8-2. Rookie German Marquez threw his third consecutive gem and has only given up two runs in his last 19 IP.

Lance McCullers and the Houston Astros were already in the 30-win club, and they answered the Rockies. McCullers extended his scoreless streak to 22 IP in a 6-2 win over the Tigers. Commissioner Rob Manfred was also in town and talked about an expansion team in Mexico.

Kyle Schwarber hit a 470-foot HR, the longest of his career in the regular season, leading the Cubs to a 4-1 victory over the Giants.

The Dodgers outfield might be in need of some practice calling for the ball. Joc Pederson left the game against the Cardinals after an ugly collision with Yasiel Puig. Pederson had collided earlier in the game with Cody Bellinger. The Dodgers would walk off in the 13th after a double by Logan Forsythe, fresh off the DL.

At the quarter pole, ESPN’s Jerry Crasnick asks if each team has answered it’s most intriguing pre-season question.

Yankees rookie sensation and MLB home run leader Aaron Judge got his own cheering section at Yankee stadium, and he’s also revealed an odd superstition he has.

Rain delay, schmain-delay: the Cubs and Brewers turned inclement weather into an excuse for a dance party over the weekend.