Game Recap

Caleb Smith had the Marlins behind early after allowing three runs on two dingers in the first inning, and the offense was not able to pick the lefty up in an eventual 5-1 loss as the Fish had to settle for a series win in Milwaukee (they’ll probably be okay with that). Garrett Cooper drove in Miami’s lone run to extend his nice stretch at the plate, while Harold Ramirez went hit-less again as his batting average continues to fall back to earth.

War of Words

One of those first-inning home runs was to Mr. Yelich, which got the Brewers feeling like they needed to strut around with their chests out just two days after getting clobbered by Miami 16-0. Don't worry, though; the recent trend of the Marlins posting some straight fire on social media continued:

All-Star Catcher (again?)

While

Caleb Smith started hot out of the gates in 2019 (some even had him as an honorable mention for the Cy Young award last month), he has faltered to a degree as of late, and is no longer the clear-cut favorite to represent the Marlins at the All-Star Game.

Enter Jorge Alfaro. He has been one of the team's most reliable offensive sparks, while displaying all of the tools which made him such a tantalizing pick-up in February. Have the Marlins replaced an All-Star catcher with an All-Star catcher?

Familiar Face, Unfamiliar Place

JT Riddle made it back to the big leagues this week as is now playing center field for the Marlins, moving Cooper to first base. This is an interesting move as Cooper may yet be a long-term solution at first, but the Marlins already have a plethora of outfield options.

Riddle has still not proven that he can handle major league pitching on a consistent basis (.234/.275/.367 in MLB career, .182/.234/.364 this season). Maybe the change can turn around his fortunes with the stick.

Shrimp Stars

Right-handers Robert Dugger and Cody Poteet, outfielder Brian Miller and infielder Justin Twine will represent the Double-A Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp at the Southern League All-Star Game. Miller and Dugger are ranked as the No. 14 and No. 22 prospects in the Marlins farm system, according to MLB Pipeline.

Finders, Keepers

Contrary to popular belief, Miami did not only draft power-hitting college bats (although, that is where the farm system needed the most help) this week. They drafted some pitchers, too, and one of them—John Baker—may just turn out to be the biggest hidden gem of the entire draft. Yes, the article is most likely biased as it is from a small-town paper and contains an interview with his college coach, but you've got to love the optimism.

Up Next

A 9-game homestand at Marlins Park begins tomorrow against the Braves with José Ureña (4-6, 4.14 ERA) facing-off against Mike Soroka (6-1, 1.41 ERA) at 7:10 p.m. ET.