Marlins Morning News: The Claw becomes a closer

Marlins News

Kyle Barraclough picks up his first career save as the Marlins damage the Rockies play-off chances

The Marlins held off the Rockies 5-4 last night in a rain-delayed back and forth contest. Miguel Rojas drove in four runs on two doubles and Odrisamer Despaigne pitched six solid innings, giving up only two runs in that span, always impressive at Coors Field. Afterward, Rojas dedicated the victory to Jose Fernandez.

It was a nice cap on a day of remembrances around baseball for their friend and teammate.

Tributes pour in on the one year anniversary of the death of José Fernández

Teammates, coaches, friends, family and fans all chimed in yesterday to remember star pitcher José Fernández. Fish Stripes will be posting articles every day this week in memoriam. Yesterday, I recalled the tragedy of that day from my vantage point, and Mitch Custer reminded us just how dominant José was. A little later today, Jesse Nieves will post about his experience watching every José start in New York’s Citi Field, as #JoséWeek marches on.

Stanton and Ozuna named Co-NL players of the week

Giancarlo Stanton has won his third NL player of the week award, hitting .348 with three home runs last week. He’ll share the honor with Marcell Ozuna, who has won his second such award. O-Zone checked in with three home runs of his own while batting a superb .500 over the course of the past week. This is the seventh such award handed out to Marlins players this season, most in the Major Leagues.

Matt Snyder of CBS Sports breaks down the NL MVP Field as we enter the final week of play

Speaking of Stanton and Ozuna, both are mentioned as candidates in Snyder’s article to walk away with the most valuable player award in the National League come season’s end. Stanton’s obviously had an epic season, sporting a .280/.378/.635 with 57 home runs and 118 RBIs to his name. Ozuna, no slouch himself, has hit .308/.374/.548 with 36 home runs and also 118 driven in. What remains to be seen is whether or not the voters will penalize the duo for the Marlins’ September swoon. My guess is yes.

Around the League

Aaron Judge smashed the rookie home run record set by Mark McGwire in 1987 by belting his 49th and 50th home runs yesterday.

The Chicago Cubs had a great night, clinching at worst a tie for the NL Central title while dealing a harsh blow to the rival St. Louis Cardinals playoff chances in a 10-2 drubbing.

As the debate continues across the country over protests involving the National Anthem, Chris Archer explained why it might be harder for a baseball player to be involved.

The ever-controversial Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Yasiel Puig was benched by manager Dave Roberts for showing up late to a workout yesterday.