Marlins fall/winter update, Oct. 22-28

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 (4-2 record last week, 9-7 record overall).

2B/SS Bryson Brigman: .256/.293/.256 in 10 G

RHP Tommy Eveld: 6.1 IP, 7.11 ERA, 4 K

OF Monte Harrison: .325/.426/.350 in 11 G

RHP Kyle Keller: 6.2 IP, 4.05 ERA, 8 K

OF/DH Brian Miller: .297/.386/.351 in 14 G

RHP Chad Smith: 4.2 IP, 5.79 ERA, 2 K

RHP Jordan Yamamoto: 11.0 IP, 1.64 ERA, 15 K

Salt River Rafters stats via MiLB.com

In an organization with a handful of super-high-upside outfielders, Brian Miller tends to get overlooked. This has been a busy year for the 2017 draft pick, who’s now racked up more than 600 plate appearances in the regular season and Fall League combined.

Miller isn’t using the workload as an excuse. He was an on-base machine this past week, highlighted by Tuesday’s performance: three stolen bases against three different pitchers. His seven steals overall are tied for the second-highest total among AFL players. Another constant throughout his brief pro career, the 23-year-old effortlessly puts balls in play (5 K in 44 PA).

Meanwhile, more of the usual for Harrison:

This camera angle from above the first-base dugout provides a good look at the adjustments he’s made after a streaky offensive season with Double-A Jacksonville.

It bodes well for his long-term potential, though the lack of extra-base power we’re seeing from the three Marlins AFL position players is hard to ignore; Miller, Harrison and Bryson Brigman have 34 combined hits, 31 of them singles.

Jordan Yamamoto continues to be the bright spot on the pitching side. Stretched out to five innings on Tuesday, he should squeeze in three more starts before heading into the offseason.

Dominican Winter League

Gigantes del Cibao drafted shortstop José Devers last month with the future in mind. Still no word on when he’ll join them on the field, but the teenager visited Estadio Julián Javier last weekend for a photo op.

Hours after the Marlins outrighted him off their 40-man roster on Saturday, Gigantes teammate Miguel Del Pozo escaped a fifth-inning jam and was credited with the win. It marked Del Pozo’s fifth straight scoreless (and hitless) appearance.

Cristhian Adames finally began to see regular action for Toros del Este. Underwhelming results so far, though (.200/.273/.250 in seven games). Likewise a quiet week for Magneuris Sierra. His 11-plate appearance sample is still too small to overreact to, but infield prospect Samuel Castro has been lighting it up with a .600/.636/.900 slash line.

Venezuelan Winter League

Right-hander Jorgan Cavanerio (Tiburones de La Guaira) served up two home runs on Thursday, spiking his earned run average to 8.31.

Under-23 Baseball World Cup

Although his Puerto Rico team was never in the mix for the championship, Isan Diaz can return from the World Cup with his head held high. Serving as a second baseman and designated hitter, he slashed .214/.333/.643 with four home runs over the course of seven games.

For comparison’s sake, he went deep just three times in 36 games at Triple-A New Orleans.

Diaz’s second homer on Saturday

Unless the Marlins get a reasonable trade offer for Starlin Castro, Diaz seems destined to open up 2019 back at Triple-A. Demonstrating this kind of power from a middle infield position, they understandably see him as a productive everyday player eventually.