Fresh Fish News, 3/3/19: Merandy González claimed, more Spring Training games, revisiting José Fernández

With about a full week of spring training baseball under everyone’s belt, Fish Stripes will be taking a look at the news and stories that stood out the most from the week regarding your Miami Marlins.

Merandy González Claimed Off Waivers

Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

The Marlins announced on Saturday that the young right-hander had been claimed by the Giants after being placed on outright waivers. González spent a couple months of the 2018 season in the majors, but looked a bit overmatched (5.73 ERA, 4.89 FIP, 1.77 WHIP). He pitched just once in Spring Training before the move.

Manager Don Mattingly said the Marlins were hopeful that González would pass through waivers and remain with the organization (h/t/ Wells Dusenbury, Sun Sentinel). Our own Jose Miranda detailed how the 23-year-old could have benefited from another full summer in the high minors.

There are now 39 players on the 40-man roster.

Season Previews for More Marlins Players

Fish Stripes continues to deliver season previews for individual Marlins players with expectations to cover everybody between now and Opening Day. New pieces include Jorge Guzman, Victor Victor Mesa, Caleb Smith and JT Riddle.

Fantastic work by Cornelius Thomas, David Phillips, Ely Sussman, Mike Picardi, Daniel Martinez, Marshall Thomas and Jose Miranda.

The José Fernández Free Agent Winter That Never Was

Jayson Stark of the Athletic (subscription required) interviewed the people closest to the late José Fernández to get a better understanding of who he was and what would’ve happened had he survived to reach the free-agent market this past offseason. Scott Boras wonders if he’d be looking at a $400 million contract, while acknowledging that Fernández loved Miami and preferred to reach an extension with the Marlins (for the right price).

It’s a must-read for all baseball fans.

Spring Training Game Action

Over the past week, the Marlins posted a 2-5 record in the Grapefruit League, entering Sunday at 2-6 overall. Here’s how it happened:

• February 24—Pirates 10, Marlins 6. Despite rallying back from deficits multiple times, the afternoon ended in disappointment when Jose Quijada surrendered a walk-off grand slam to Ke’Bryan Hayes. Victor Victor Mesa left in the sixth inning and was later diagnosed with a Grade 1 right hamstring strain.
• February 25—Marlins 5, Rays 2. A great game from Austin Dean (two hits, 2 RBI), 1.2 IP from Jose Urena and Jon Berti’s big RBI triple highlighted Miami’s first win of the spring.
• February 26—Marlins 3, Astros 0. Dan Straily started and combined with six other pitchers—including Sergio Romo and Tayron Guerrero—to shut out the mighty Astros. Stealing four bases helped Miami manufacture their offense.

• February 27—Mets 14, Marlins 6. A very big step forward for many of the young Marlins players. Unfortunately, Wei-Yin Chen had his usual road struggles and the Mets blew it open with an eighth-inning rally.

• February 28—Astros 7, Marlins 5. Houston got its revenge, using a lineup featuring mostly major league regulars. Jordan Holloway allowed four runs (all earned) in his Grapefruit League debut. Brian Anderson launched a monstrous two-run homer. He hopes to do that more often in his sophomore season, as explained to Joe Frisaro of MLB.com.
• March 1—Nationals 5, Marlins 4. Hits from Garrett Cooper, Jon Berti and Magneuris Sierra and a standout game from Isan Diaz (2 RBI) weren’t enough to keep pace with the Nats, who homered four times. Kyle Barraclough came out of the bullpen to pitch against the Fish for the first time in his career.

• March 2—Cardinals 4, Marlins 3. JT Riddle broke out of his slump with a game-tying two-run single. Curtis Granderson and Martin Prado batted at the top of the order in their first Grapefruit League appearances (combined 0-for-4).

Before taking any of these Spring Training results too seriously, keep in mind how this game was decided:

As we inch closer and closer to the regular season, stay tuned to Fish Stripes for all your Miami Marlins news and stories!