Marlins links, 9/3/18: Marlins drop rubber match, the case of Justin Bour, looking towards 2019

Marlins drop final game in Brigham’s debut

The Marlins lost the final game of their three-game series with the Blue Jays, 6-1.

Toronto’s Sean Reid-Foley enjoyed the best outing of his major league career. He only gave up one run over seven innings with 10 strikeouts.

Miami’s Jeff Brigham had his MLB debut cut short because of control issues. Brigham had been waiting for his moment in the big leagues for quite some time, but was only able to pitch three frames.

Brigham did flash a nice curveball, but was unable to locate it along with his fastball. His ineffectiveness led to three runs on four hits, he walked four and only managed to strikeout two hitters.

The Marlins’ lone run came in the fifth inning after Reid-Foley walked JT Riddle with the bases loaded to score Rafael Ortega. Lewis Brinson enjoyed a 2-for-4 day and is 3-for-8 since his return from injury. It’s still early yet encouraging to see him swinging the bat well.

2019 MLB draft position

While any teams are focused on playing meaningful baseball in September and possibly in October, the Marlins are playing for the future.

With their loss yesterday, they moved into position for the fourth pick in the 2019 MLB draft. The Marlins could realistically end the season picking between third and sixth.

This draft is crucial to the team’s eventual success as the Marlins haven’t drafted in the top five since selecting Tyler Kolek in 2012. Choosing wisely with premium position this time could potentially speed up the rebuild. Remember to #Re2pectTheProcess.

Tankathon keeps you updated on the race to the bottom.

Bour is back in town

The donut-eating, home run-mashing machine is back in Miami, but he’s wearing a new uniform. Justin Bour and his new team—the Philadelphia Phillies—are in town for a three-game series. He’s still fond of the Marlins and checks up on former teammates from hundreds of miles away.

This new Miami Marlins franchise is moving on and looking for new types of players and unfortunately, Bour doesn’t fit that mold. Ely recently wrote about Bour’s impact for the Marlins and why slow plodding first basemen aren’t in the team’s future. The team is now focused on more well-rounded athletes.

NL East rivals play on Labor Day

José Ureña takes the mound in the first game of this Phillies series. Ureña allowed four runs to the Boston Red Sox his last time out, but he’s pitched a little bit better at Marlins Park this season (4.45 home ERA, 4.72 away ERA). It wasn't too long ago that Ureña threw a complete game, so he does possess electric stuff.

The Marlins will be facing right-hander Vince Velasquez (9-9, 4.05 ERA). His last effective outing came over a month ago against the Marlins in Philadelphia. Since then, Velasquez has struggled: 10 runs allowed in 15 ¹⁄₃ innings pitched.

First pitch is at 1:10p.m. and our Ian Smith is covering the game from Marlins Park. Give him a follow as he’ll tweeting updates throughout the game.