Marlins links, 8/28/18: Series vs. MLB-leading Boston, Peter O’Brien making case for call up, the impact of “Juice”

Ureña returns to the mound tonight

Jose Ureña will be back on the mound tonight following his six-game suspension for intentionally hitting Atlanta Braves outfielder Ronald Acuña Jr. Ureña will be facing the Red Sox and their potent lineup, but he’s coming off the best start of his career—a one-run complete game.

Left-hander Brian Johnson will be on the mound for the Red Sox. He pitched against the Marlins on April 2 in a winning effort.

First pitch is at 7:10p.m. We will have Ian Smith in attendance.

Hometown kid deserving of a call up

With his most recent setback, Garrett Cooper has been ruled out for the season potentially opening up a spot for Hialeah native Peter O’Brien. The Marlins signed O’Brien after his release from the Dodgers and while he may never hit well enough to be an everyday first basemen, he does possess the kind of power that the roster has been lacking much of the season.

O’Brien has hit 29 home runs over two minor levels—22 of those as a Marlins farmhand—and is slashing .279/.394/.651 for AAA New Orleans. Ely explains why he’d be a fun addition down the stretch.

Pitching depth at the lower levels

Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images

For the first time in years, the Marlins have actual pitching depth at the minor league level. The Marlins may not be close to contending soon, but in a couple of years the Marlins will be one of the better teams in the league and a lot of it will be due to their starting rotation.

In his latest Marlins inbox, MLB.com’s Joe Frisaro looks to the future, showing some love to Sandy Alcántara, Pablo López and Caleb Smith among others. He also speculates about the potential for a change to the club’s color scheme as soon as 2019.

“Juice” responsible for keeping players looking fresh

Jorge Castillo of the Washington Post examines how professional athletes take their style more seriously than ever. Though baseball players usually have their hair covered by a cap, they insist on using the best in the business to look sharp in all other situations. There’s no debate: it’s Hugo “Juice” Tandrón, the longtime Marlins barber.

For those who aren’t aware, Juice runs an awesome Instagram account chronicling many of his celebrity interactions.

Will Banfield introduces himself

The Marlins brass selected Will Banfield with the 69th pick in the 2018 draft. Banfield sat down with the Marlins recently to introduce himself. He provided the fans with some knowledge about himself and his feelings about joining the Miami Marlins. He was very clear in letting the Marlins fans know that the team is #JustGettinStarted.

I guess you could say Banfield is all aboard the #Re2pectTheProcess movement.