Marlins links, 5/28/18: Marlins swept by Washington, prepping for draft, Prado’s timeline

Marlins can't avoid the sweep

Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

Elieser Hernández was making his third career start on Sunday afternoon, trying to help the Marlins avoid being swept by the Washington Nationals. He was only able to pitch five innings in an uneven performance. The Nationals offense piled on three more runs in the sixth and the seventh innings and held on for a 5-2 victory.

Putting aside the disappointing result, Hernández has exceeded expectations thus far with a 2.50 earned run average. The right-hander had no major league experience prior to 2018.

Stephen Straburg kept the Marlins in check by only giving up three hits in five innings while striking out eight along the way. Steady veterans J.T. Realmuto and Justin Bour kept the game somewhat competitive with a run-scoring double and solo homer, respectively.

MLB draft draws closer

During Jeffrey Loria’s regime, the Marlins generally targeted high school arms with their top draft picks (with very mixed results). Now, Derek Jeter and the new ownership group gets to set their own course with a week remaining until the 2018 draft.

They have been linked to a number of players, such as local first baseman Triston Casas. College players could also be under consideration with the No. 13 overall selection. With that in mind, we just profiled Trevor Larnach, a breakout star slugger at Oregon State University.

More draft coverage coming up soon!

Martín Prado out indefinitely

The Marlins expect Prado to be out at least a month after injuring his left hamstring in Friday’s game against the Nationals (h/t Matthew DeFranks, Sun Sentinel). Prado was limited to just 37 games last season due to lower-body issues, and he didn’t make his 2018 debut until April 27 as he rehabbed from knee surgery.

Fortunately, the Marlins have respectable infield depth—Miguel Rojas will play third base in his absence. But this setback probably rules out Prado as a candidate to be moved at the trade deadline. He’s signed to a high-priced contract through 2019.

Jordan Yamamoto makes (official) Marlins debut

Jordan Yamamoto actually took the mound for the Jupiter Hammerheads earlier this month, but that game was postponed in the second inning with Yamamoto’s work stricken from the record. The 22-year-old right-hander became an official Marlins player on Sunday, allowing one run in five innings with five strikeouts.

Yamamoto was acquired from Milwaukee in the Christian Yelich trade. After succeeding at the High-A level last summer, he may find himself in Jacksonville before season’s end.

The Great Bourbino turns 30

Marlins fan favorite Justin Bour turns 30 today! Hopefully, he decides to celebrate with a Fish win and a couple Bour Bombs as they take on the San Diego Padres at 4:10pm.