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The Miami Marlins have started the second half with mixed results, largely due to an inconsistent offense. However, we here at Fish Stripes are not streaky with all the news, highlights and analysis of the week regarding your Marlins!
Game Recaps
The Marlins suffered a loss in the series finale against the New York Mets before winning the next series against the San Diego Padres but losing the first two games against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the next series. For the week, the Marlins are 2-4, and for the season, they are 36-60.
July 14—Mets 6, Marlins 2; Sandy Alcantara started this game, going six innings giving up four runs on nine hits and two walks but with six strikeouts. Miguel Rojas had three hits and an RBI and Garrett Cooper had a Solo HR in the game.
July 16—Marlins 12, Padres 7; Jordan Yamamoto took the mound and went five innings allowing three runs (two earned) on four hits and two walks but with four strikeouts. Starlin Castro, Garrett Cooper and Brian Anderson each had three RBIs with Cooper and Anderson hitting a HR.
July 17—Padres 3, Marlins 2; Trevor Richards got the ball against the Padres going five innings allowing three runs on eight hits and three walks with five strikeouts. Castro got both RBIs for the Marlins one coming off a solo HR.
July 18—Marlins 4, Padres 3; Caleb Smith ended the series with the Padres going five innings allowing two runs on five hits and two walks with seven strikeouts. Harold Ramirez, Neil Walker and Anderson had RBIs in the game. The first walk-off win for the Marlins this season!
July 19—Dodgers 2, Marlins 1; Zac Gallen started the series against the Dodgers, going 5 1⁄3 innings allowing two runs (one earned) on three hits and four walks with five strikeouts. The Marlins got one run on an RBI double by Jorge Alfaro.
July 20—Dodgers 10, Marlins 6; Alcantara took the mound and went five innings allowing six runs on seven hits and three walks with four strikeouts. The Marlins scored six runs with the big hits coming from Brian Anderson and Starlin Castro, but it was not enough for the win.
JJ Bleday Debuts for High-A Jupiter Hammerheads
First pro hit for JJ Bleday, single to center on 93 mph fastball. @GoHammerheads @MLBPipeline #Marlins @MiLB @VandyBoys pic.twitter.com/ceDaD8FX5A
— Joe Frisaro (@JoeFrisaro) July 20, 2019
JJ Bleday, the first-round pick of the Marlins in 2019, has been assigned to the High-A Jupiter Hammerheads. He debuted Saturday for the Hammerheads, going 1-for-4 and playing the full game in right field. Never before has the franchise started a draft pick against such advanced competition right away.
The JJ Bleday assignment is almost unprecedented in Marlins history. An organization that has usually prioritized prep prospects in the 1st round, taking the college route this year means getting somebody who's ready for grown-man competition right away. https://t.co/uUFSBRePW5
— Fish Stripes (@fishstripes) July 20, 2019
Meanwhile, left-hander Will Stewart stole the show. He came just one out away from completing a no-hitter, tossing a career-high 108 pitches in the process.
Roster Moves
The Marlins placed OF/INF JT Riddle on the 10-day injured list with a forearm strain and reinstated INF Martin Prado, who is recovered from his latest hamstring strain. Also, RHP Austin Brice landed on the 10-day IL with a right forearm strain, clearing room for RHP Tayron Guerrero (middle finger blister).
Promising Pitchers Waiting in the Wings
Starting pitching has been a big strength of the 2019 Miami Marlins and the pitchers in the minors are even more promising. You can never have too much starting pitching in case of injury. Jordan McPherson of the Miami Herald has more in an article that can be read here.
Marlins Hope New Partnership Brings in More Fans
In an effort to alleviate the struggle of coming to the ballpark from Broward or Palm Beach counties, the Marlins have partnered with Brightline to offer discounts. Their hope is to attract more fans to come out to watch ballgames without the problem of being stuck in traffic for hours, as Wells Dusenbury of the Sun Sentinel explains.
Mesa Brothers Making Steady Progress
Victor Victor Mesa and Victor Mesa Jr. are two of the prospects that many fans and higher-ups have their eyes on. With a five-year age difference, the Cuban outfielders are progressing at different paces, but there’s hope that they will be future hitters in the Miami lineup. The full story by Joe Frisaro can be read here.
Halfway through their first season of pro ball: A look at how the Mesa brothers are doing. https://t.co/8undjmwjaG #Marlins #MLB @MLBPipeline @milb
— Joe Frisaro (@JoeFrisaro) July 15, 2019
Victor Victor has been the everyday center fielder for High-A Jupiter, providing plus defense with a weak .250/.294/.283 slash line. Since debuting in the Gulf Coast League last month, Mesa Jr. is slashing .244/.326/.329 with as many walks as strikeouts (11).
Elieser Hernandez Turning into a Valuable Asset
Elieser Hernandez started the 2019 season in the minor leagues, far from the top of anybody’s mind after struggling with the big league club in 2018. Moving forward, he will have chances in the rotation and the bullpen, but wherever he pitches, he has been seen as a valuable asset to the Marlins (Saturday’s ugly outing notwithstanding).
Whether in the rotation or bullpen, Elieser Hernandez providing #Marlins with a versatile asset. https://t.co/TgVunVp5sn
— Wells Dusenbury (@DuseReport) July 14, 2019
Podcast Episodes
The Fish Stripes podcast is home to Miami Marlins shows Fish Bites, Earning Their Stripes and A-Ball with Erik Oas. All new episodes are posted to FishStripes.com/podcasts. You can also find them on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, Megaphone or wherever you normally get your pods.
Our special guest on A-Ball is third-round draft pick Peyton Burdick. The Wright State University product enters Sunday with 14 extra-base hits and a .926 OPS through 31 professional games.
The Marlins have continued to show how talented their pitching staff is. Over the coming weeks we might see top performers—both arms and position players—traded to contenders. Until then, stick with Fish Stripes for all your latest Miami Marlins news, analysis and highlights!