:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/60264303/usa_today_10922370.0.jpg)
Last night’s game:
Whoever said the Process would require patience probably didn’t have this in mind:
We have Marlins history, folks! We head to the 15th inning for the third time this season. And that's never happened in any previous season. So exciting!
— clarkspencer (@clarkspencer) July 4, 2018
The Fish lost game two of the Interstate Battle of Sea Creatures, better known as the Citrus Series, in the 16th inning last night. After falling behind 4-0, Miami would battle back to tie the game in the fifth inning. The two teams were then locked in a scoreless stalemate for the next ten innings before the Rays exploded for five runs in the 16th. The Marlins would rally in the bottom half of the frame, but would ultimately “run out of gas”, according to Don Mattingly:
Despite fighting back from an early deficit, @Marlins manager Don Mattingly contributes tonight's loss to "running out of gas". #JuntosMiami #MLB pic.twitter.com/uG5bZKUePF
— FOX Sports Florida (@FOXSportsFL) July 4, 2018
Roster news
Prior to the game, the team placed Sandy Alcántara on the DL with an axillary infection. Jose Ureña will be activated and start today in the rookie’s stead.
A few Marlins have been getting some buzz lately. Fangraphs notes that Wei-Yin Chen’s increased velocity is worth some attention. They also discussed Brian Anderson, as did Baseball Prospectus.
Prospect News Jordan Yamamoto Corner
As promised, Jordan Yamamoto has earned his own section of this links piece, since he is so often in the news of late. This time, he got promoted. Hey, we ask, they listen:
YES! Marlins made the right call: @jyamaz21 going from JUP✈️JAX!
— Fish Stripes (@fishstripes) July 4, 2018
Big test, but he's ready for it. https://t.co/ASCOQuJ3zA
Earlier Tuesday, the Marlins’ 2018 No. 1 pick Connor Scott made his debut in in the Gulf Coast League. He got right to work:
#Marlins 1st Rd pick Connor Scott's first professional hit and his thoughts afterward. The @PlantBaseball product and former #Gators commit went 1-3 as a DH in GCL @Marlins debut @NBC6Sports @nbc6 pic.twitter.com/ja3mXZQxNL
— Chris Fischer NBC6 (@FischerNBC6) July 3, 2018
In more critical news, the MiLB.com staff gives the Marlins a C- for overall “prospect and team performance” in 2018. Only the Giants received a lower grade among National League teams.
It was a tough but necessary rebuild for the Marlins this offseason, and their system improved leaps and bounds. But inconsistency is an issue with this club. There’s a lot to love with the addition of pitchers like Sandy Alcántara (who has already earned a callup to Miami), Jorge Guzman and Nick Neidert. But on the hitting side, top prospect Monte Harrison has been streaky, and we’re still waiting for Magneuris Sierra and Isan Diaz to break through as well. Trevor Rogers has struggled on the bump in his first season with Greensboro, Braxton Garrett is recovering from Tommy John surgery and Tyler Kolek -- 2014’s No. 2 overall pick -- has yet to pitch this season.
It’s not too late!
All-Star balloting closes tomorrow, so continue voting for J.T. Realmuto, who has risen in the polls! And if character counts, well…
1:04 am, the Marlins just lost after 5 and a half hours and 16 innings and JT Realmuto is signing autographs here for the kids. He’s a real MVP. pic.twitter.com/feQVDCoJk4
— Daniel Álvarez Montes (@DaniAlvarez_16) July 4, 2018
(Yes, I am now emotionally blackmailing you to vote for him, and I have no problem with that.)
It’s July, and that means it’s trading season. CBS posits that the Marlins and Dodgers are perfect trade partners. Meanwhile, the Herald discusses who else is on the block while examining the good, the bad and ugly of past trades.
Today’s game:
As mentioned, Jose Ureña (2-9) comes off the DL to start against Matt Andriese (1-3) in the rubber match of the Sea Creatures Series. Game time is at 1:10 PM.