Outfield prospect Sierra gets call-up, Garrett Cooper to DL

MIAMI—In baseball, the good news typically comes with corresponding bad news. After missing most of the season’s first half with a right wrist injury, Garrett Cooper is dealing with the after-effects. Following Monday night’s game, Don Mattingly indicated that the 27-year-old will again be placed on the disabled list. Outfield prospect Magneuris Sierra takes his spot in what will be his first major league action of 2018.

Cooper was originally diagnosed with a right wrist contusion when he was hit by a pitch in the second game of the season. But a tear of the tendon sheath was later discovered, requiring surgery and a lengthy rehab. Absent from the Marlins lineup the past few days, he underwent an MRI on Monday. His current ailment is a wrist sprain and the outfielder/first baseman is going to visit a hand specialist to determine treatment.

The organization had big expectations of Cooper after acquiring him from the Yankees along with Caleb Smith this past offseason. Unfortunately, he’s been limited from performing due to the wrist, batting .212/.316/.242 in just 14 games.

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The good news is that fans will be able to see Sierra for the first time in a Marlins uniform, rather than as an opponent. He is an elite defender who can play all three outfield positions and was acquired in the Marcell Ozuna trade along with Sandy Alcántara. While he struggles to get on base consistently, Sierra can wreak havoc on the base-path with his plus speed. Through 86 games in Triple-A New Orleans, Sierra is slashing .260/.287/.341 with 14 stolen bases.

The 22-year-old-outfielder had a cup of coffee stint with the St. Louis Cardinals where he slashed .317/.359/.317 with 2 stolen bases in 22 games. He has a knack for putting the ball in play and hitting into the gaps. His toolset will play up in the expansive Marlins Park, where his speed will help him cover lots of ground and help him extend gap hits into doubles and triples.

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Some more good news lies in the fact that Alcántara, the Marlins top pitching prospect, appeared on Monday in his rehab assignment in Jupiter (albeit poorly). The Fish expect him to make at least one more start before reinstating him from the DL.

Also on the comeback trail, flame-throwing reliever Tayron Guerrero (lumbar strain) is expected to get some work in Jacksonville on Tuesday. Marlins center fielder Lewis Brinson has been progressing in his rehabilitation from a hip bruise. Drew Rucinski has been progressing as well from his groin injury.

Thank you for reading, until next time!