Miami Marlins links, 4/23/18: Caleb Smith shines, Prado nearing comeback

Caleb Smith strikeouts out 10 in loss

With their loss yesterday, the Marlins were swept by the Brewers and have lost four in a row. Caleb Smith had his best start of the season keeping Milwaukee hitless first time through the order, setting new carer highs in both innings (six) and strikeouts (10). A Christian Yelich home run in the fourth inning gave the Brewers a 2-1 lead, which they would not surrender. They would go on to add another two runs off of Marlins rookie Merandy González to win by a final score of 4-2. Justin Bour provided all the firepower for Marlins pushing across both runs on an RBI double in the first inning and an RBI single in the the eighth inning.

Martín Prado season debut slowly approaching

Photo by Eric Espada/Getty Images

Prado has been out all season with a left hamstring strain, but is slowly progressing towards making his season debut. He’s been at Jupiter playing with the Hammerheads preparing for the season. After an off day yesterday, look for Prado to get two or three at-bats tonight when the Hammerheads take on Palm Beach Cardinals.

Prado will hopefully be ready to join the Marlins for the next homestand, which begins April 27 against the Rookies. He’s expected to play third base, displacing Brian Anderson to the outfield so that both can stick in the lineup.

Derek Jeter sits down with HBO

Marlins CEO Derek Jeter sat down with HBO’s Bryant Gumbel for a rather interesting interview. Perhaps the most newsworthy part occurs when Gumbel asks Jeter if he believes the Marlins are going to compete, to which Jeter responded:

“I expect this team to compete. To compete every sing—you’d never tell your players that you are expected to lose. You don’t do that. You should take that as a slap in the face as a player. You should take that as a slap in the face.”

The interview continues with a playful banter and with Jeter being called delusional. If you're interested in watching the whole episode, tune in tomorrow night to HBO’s “Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel” (10pm ET).

Marlins head west

The Marlins are in Los Angeles tonight to face the Dodgers. Jarlin García, who’s been the best pitcher for the Fish, will be on the mound trying to snap the losing streak, while the Dodgers have top pitching prospect Walker Buehler on the mound. Hopefully, the Fish can get to the rookie early and get their offense going.

Farewell, Thomas

I’d just like to take a moment to thank our managing editor Thomas Bennett for all his hard work and dedication. Unfortunately for us, Thomas will be taking his leave from our site after his time as editor. He’s been through many ups and downs as many Marlins fans have and he’s been pushing Marlins news and keeping you our readers informed and entertained throughout his time here.

Thomas, I’d just like to thank you for your time, energy, hard work, and guidance. Good luck in your future endeavors and you know that you’ll always have a home at Fish Stripes.