Marlins links, 8/21/18: Big G returns, Mike Hill interview, prospects heating up

Big G makes his return

For the first time in his career, Giancarlo Stanton experience a game in Marlins Park from the visitor’s dugout. Stanton makes his long-awaited return after being traded to the Yankees in the offseason.

The Marlins selected Stanton in the second round of the 2007 draft out of high school. He quickly grew into a star. He’s the franchise’s all-time home run leader and peaked by winning the NL MVP award in 2017 when he slashed .281/.376/.631 to along with 59 home runs and 132 RBI.

As Stanton plays this series in pinstripes, we look back at his eight years with the Marlins. He’s sure to receive a standing ovation as he comes up to bat, but will try to focus on the task at hand—Stanton is sitting on 299 career home runs. He’d be the fourth-fastest player to reach 300 home runs by going deep on Tuesday or Wednesday.

Here’s to you, Big G. Thanks for the great memories and for every jaw-dropping moment.

Mike Hill on “Swings and Mishes”

The Marlins president of baseball operations chatted with Craig Mish for the very first episode of his new podcast called “Swings and Mishes” (produced by Jeremy Taché).

Hill was very open with Mish during their 40-minute conversation. He spoke candidly about the past, present and future during the interview to give the fans a good insight as to what the club is trying to do.

Topics include Stanton, Christian Yelich, J.T. Realmuto and the differences between working under Derek Jeter versus Jeffrey Loria.

Down on the farm

Top draft pick Connor Scott hit his first professional home run in Low-A Greensboro yesterday, a two-run home run which provided the Grasshoppers with all the run support they needed on their way to a 2-0 victory. He's currently slashing .257/.333/.400 while playing against older competition—he's still only 18.

Alex Carver of Marlins Minors selects Dylan Lee for his Marlins prospect of July. Lee pitched 12 scoreless innings in relief for the month. The left-hander has risen from Jupiter all the way to Triple-A New Orleans this season. Lee has entered himself into the September call-up conversation because of this success.

Not long ago, Ely also had a conversation with Lee about his breakout and background.

Don Mattingly headed to Japan

Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images

Don Mattingly has been pegged for to be the manager for the MLB All-Stars traveling to Japan for an exhibition series against Nippon Baseball All-Stars. This would mark the first time that MLB travels to Japan with active players since 2014. The exhibition games will take place after the 2018 postseason (don’t think Mattingly would have any scheduling conflicts!).

Pablo takes on Stanton and the Yankees

Photo by Hunter Martin/Getty Images

Pablo López starts for the Marlins tonight against Masahiro Tanaka.

López struggled his last time out against the Braves, allowing five runs in 5 ¹⁄₃ innings pitched. But in his last home start, he allowed only two runs in seven innings.

Fish Stripes will cover the big matchup live with Ian Smith at the ballpark.

Gates open at 5:00 p.m. and first pitch is at 7:10 p.m.