Marlins fall/winter update, Oct. 15-21

A regular Monday feature here at Fish Stripes over the next few months, we’ll do a roundup of storylines, stats and highlights from Marlins players who are staying active this offseason. That includes the top prospects showcasing their skills in the Arizona Fall League, but think internationally, too—the organization has several hispanic players getting extra reps in their home countries.

All the weekly updates will be contained in this thread.

Stats updated through Sunday’s games.

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Arizona Fall League

The Marlins are being represented in the AFL by seven players, including four who are ranked among the organization’s Top 30 prospects, per MLB Pipeline. They’re rostered on the Salt River Rafters (3-3 record last week, 5-5 record overall).

2B/SS Bryson Brigman: .273/.304/.273 in 6 G

RHP Tommy Eveld: 3.2 IP, 9.82 ERA, 2 K

OF Monte Harrison: .320/.414/.360 in 7 G

RHP Kyle Keller: 4.2 IP, 3.86 ERA, 5 K

OF/DH Brian Miller: .200/.286/.200 in 10 G

RHP Chad Smith: 3.2 IP, 0.00 ERA, 2 K

RHP Jordan Yamamoto: 6.0 IP, 1.50 ERA, 11 K

Salt River Rafters stats via MiLB.com

Arguably the least-heralded prospect in the Marlins AFL delegation, Smith is faring well through the first couple weeks. Of the 20 pitchers to make an appearance for the Rafters, he and Devin Smeltzer (Twins) are the only ones who haven’t allowed a run.

The former 11th-round draft pick scuffled toward the end of the regular season for High-A Jupiter, but keeping this up would ensure a promotion to Jacksonville come 2019.

Harrison’s .774 OPS is tied for third-best on the Rafters, and the way he’s going about it continues to be very encouraging: prioritizing putting the ball in play while still making hard contact. The toolsy outfielder whiffed twice in his latest game on Friday, but just four total times in the AFL.

Dominican Winter League

Magneuris Sierra (.400/.471/.400) continues to look like the best version of himself. Even without any slugging ability, Sierra has been a bright spot for los Toros del Este.

That was especially true on Thursday when he went 3-for-3 with a walk.

Samuel Castro might be the youngest member of the team (turned 21 last Tuesday). He’s playing winter ball to compensate for missing two months of the Greensboro Grasshoppers season with injury. Castro made his debut on Friday, pinch-running for the designated hitter.

Getting a start at second base on Sunday, he had a greater impact:

Both Sierra and Castro came around to score in that fifth-inning rally, fueling a Toros comeback win.

Miguel Del Pozo (Gigantes del Cibao) rebounded from an ugly season debut by recording two easy outs on Friday. That lowered his earned run average to 27.00.

Venezuelan Winter League

Jorgan Cavanerio (Tiburones de La Guaira) hasn’t yet walked a batter in his four relief appearances, totaling 3 ¹⁄₃ innings.

Under-23 Baseball World Cup

The tournament began this past weekend. Among Marlins farmhands, only Isan Diaz is participating. He’s the leadoff hitter for Team Puerto Rico.

It’s been a struggle overall (.083/.267/.083), but Diaz got at least one solid hit.

The World Cup runs through Oct. 28.