:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/64145447/usa_today_12969401.0.jpg)
Game Recap
After breezing through the first five innings, Sandy Alcantara allowed five earned runs on two home runs - both with two outs - to put the Marlins in a hole that they would not be able to pull themselves out of, as they lost by a score of 8-5. Although Sandy was able to finish the sixth inning, he only managed to record one strikeout all night.
One silver lining from the game was that Miguel Rojas went 4-for-5 with three doubles, tying a club record last matched by Hanley Ramirez on July 20, 2007.
Rojas to Represent in Cleveland?
No Marlins players made the cut via fan voting for the All-Star game on July 9, but each team gets to send at least one player to take part in the festivities. If it were up to manager Don Mattingly, he would bestow that honor upon Miguel Rojas, which makes sense as he has the highest batting average among qualified Marlins hitters, is a leader in the clubhouse, and is also about to become part of the bobblehead brotherhood.
Striking (International) Gold
Next week, the 2019-20 international signing period begins. It is an important time for all MLB teams, but more so for Miami as they continue the extensive rebuild. This period could prove to be fruitful for the Marlins, as they have been tipped to sign top prospects José Salas (#10 international prospect according to MLB.com) and Junior Sánchez (#24), as well as being linked to shortstop Yidi Cappe, ranked #7. While signing any of these big three names would be huge, there are also hidden gems to found from overseas, like Sixto Sanchez, who signed for only $35,000 in 2015 as is now on track to lead Miami's rotation.
Another Feather in Diaz's Cap
Top prospect—and soon-to-be Marlins second baseman—Isan Diaz has earned himself a trip to the Triple-A All-Star game as a reserve on July 10. Diaz continues to tear it up in the PCL, as evident by his slash line reading .285/.374/.532 heading into last night's contest.
It was a little surprising that no other Baby Cakes received recognition, though. Monte Harrison, Hector Noesi, and even Lewis Brinson have all put together strong campaigns as well. Right-hander Zac Gallen surely would’ve made it had he not been called up by the Marlins earlier this month.
JJ Bleday Talks Begin
After wrapping up the college baseball season by winning it all with Vanderbilt, Miami's top draft pick J.J. Bleday is now ready to turn his attention to his professional career. The powerful outfielder is expected to sign quickly, and will then hopefully spend the rest of the season working his way up the minor league ladder. The Marlins and Bleday were supposed to start contract talks last night.
Trevor Rogers Dazzles Again
Weather he's pitching in the rain or in the mid-afternoon sun, Trevor Rogers continues to dominate! #HammerDown
— Jupiter Hammerheads (@GoHammerheads) June 27, 2019
He finishes with a career high 8 innings pitched and threw 76 of his 104 pitches for strikes against Bradenton on Thursday.
8 IP
2 H
0 ER
1 R
1 BB
8 K pic.twitter.com/KreHKDBWLf
Keeping up with his drastic turnaround from 2018, Trevor Rogers (Miami's 16th-rated prospect according to MLB.com) threw eight shutout innings yesterday, marking the best start of his professional career. His ERA now sits at 2.50 on the season as he continues to be a big part of Jupiter's stellar rotation at High-A.
Up Next
The Phillies are in town for a three game set, starting tonight, with Elieser Hernandez (0-2, 4.34 ERA) squaring-off against Vince Velasquez (2-4, 4.40 ERA).