Marlins links, 7/24/18: Game 1 blowout, Sierra making Marlins debut, revamped Miami Sports Wave

Marlins bats quiet in loss

Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

With yesterday’s loss, the Marlins have dropeed back-to-back games for the first time since coming off the All-Star break. It was evident early on that Jose Ureña didn't have his best stuff against the Braves. He gave up a two-run home run to Freddie Freeman in the first inning and followed that up by giving up a solo home run to Dansby Swanson in the following inning. Justin Bour hit his 16th home run of the season to provide the Marlins with their lone run. With three runs on the board early the Braves cruised to a 12-1 victory.

Marlins pitchers were a disappointment last night as three of them combined to allow 12 runs. Ureña’s start was cut short after allowing five runs in four innings and the bullpen wasn't any better as Ben Meyer gave up four runs in the three innings, and Brett Graves gave up three runs in two innings.

Top International FA failed PED test

SiriusXM’s Craig Mish and Daniel Álvarez Montes of EvTV are reporting that international FA Sandy Gaston failed a PED test. Upon testing positive for performance-enhancing drugs Gaston’s $2 million-plus deal was pulled from the table.

MLB Pipeline had him ranked as their 14th best prospect because with just 16 years of age, he boasted a high-90s fastball and a developing slider to compliment it. It is unfortunate that the Marlins weren’t able to come to agreements with Gaston this does allow the Marlins to heavily pursue Victor Victor Mesa, who’s still waiting to be declare a FA by Major League Baseball.

Speedy Sierra replaces injured Cooper

Garrett Cooper has had some unfortunate luck this year as he finds himself on the DL for the second time this season with a right wrist injury. This is the same wrist that Cooper originally had issues with in late March after being plunked by a Kyle Kendricks fastball. Cooper is expected to receive a second opinion in the coming to determine the best course of action, but the rest of his 2018 season is in doubt.

With Cooper on the DL, the Marlins are calling up Magneuris Sierra who was already on the 40-man roster. Sierra was acquired in the offseason from the St. Louis Cardinals and after a rough start to the season at Triple-A New Orleans, he was able to raise his batting average to .260. Sierra’s calling card is his speed as he already has 14 stolen bases on the season, which would be six better than Marlins major league leader Cameron Maybin.

More details from Luis, who was credentialed for Monday’s game.

Congratulations, J.T.

As July nears its end, J.T. Realmuto is quietly enjoying what has perhaps been the best month of his life. He was voted in as a National League All-Star for the midsummer classic, became a first-time father, and now is a recipient of the Heart and Hustle award. The award is voted on by former MLB players.

Ride the wave!

David Eversole has brought back Miami Sports Wave to help you stay on top of all the South Florida sports news and content. It’s a privilege for Fish Stripes to be featured every once in a while.

Marlins aim to even the series

Wei-Yin Chen will be on the mound for Game 2. While his numbers this year aren't good (2-7, 5.75 ERA), he has been at his best when pitching at Marlins Park. In seven starts this season he’s 1-2 with a 1.83 ERA.

Recently promoted Magneuris Sierra will be batting eighth and playing center field. The Marlins will be going up against Atlanta’s Julio Teheran (7-6, 4.00 ERA).

First pitch is at 12:10p.m.