Fresh Fish News, 8/11/19: Martín Prado’s walk-off, Brian Anderson as an extension candidate, Isan Díaz’s slump

The Miami Marlins are struggling as of late after trading many of their pitchers to secure prospects for the future. They just recently ended a six-game losing streak and are hoping to trend upwards, but have a long road ahead of them to end the season on a good note. We here at Fish Stripes have all of your latest news, analysis and highlights of the past week!

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Marlins Game Recaps

The Marlins ended their week by losing the last game of a two-game series against the Tampa Bay Rays and followed that up by getting swept by the New York Mets in a four-game series including a doubleheader on Monday. They started their four-game series with the Atlanta Braves by winning 2 out of 3 with another game left to play in the week. For the week, they are 2-6, and overall for the season, they are 44-72.

August 4—Rays 7, Marlins 2; Caleb Smith got the ball against the Rays, going five innings allowing three runs (one earned) on six hits with four walks and four strikeouts. The offense were not able to produce much other than Brian Anderson’s solo HR in the fourth inning.

August 5, Game 1—Mets 6, Marlins 2; In the first game of a doubleheader with the Mets the Marlins sent Robert Dugger out for his first major league start. Dugger lasted five innings allowing six runs on five hits with four walks and three strikeouts. Isan Díaz also made an impact in his debut hitting his first career HR in the sixth inning.

August 5, Game 2—Mets 5, Marlins 4; Sandy Alcantara took the mound in the second game of the doubleheader, going five innings allowing two runs on three hits and three walks with four strikeouts. The Marlins scored four runs on RBIs from Curtis Granderson and Harold Ramirez. Bryan Holaday hit a solo HR.

August 6—Mets 5, Marlins 0; Héctor Noesí made his season debut against the Mets, going five innings allowing five runs on five hits with three walks and three strikeouts. The Marlins offense out hit the Mets but was shutout with Jon Berti, Garrett Cooper and Lewis Brinson the only players with two hits each for the Marlins.

August 7—Mets 7, Marlins 2; Jordan Yamamoto wrapped up the series with six innings of work allowing four runs on five hits with one walk and six strikeouts. The Marlins only scratched two runs across on a Lewis Brinson RBI single and a Brian Anderson solo HR.

August 8—Marlins 9, Braves 2; Elieser Hernandez took the mound in what was a great performance going six shutout innings allowing two hits and two walks but with seven strikeouts. Jon Berti and Jorge Alfaro had a combined 3 RBIs with Starlin Castro hitting a two-run HR and Brian Anderson having his first multi-HR game.

August 9—Braves 8, Marlins 2; Thrown out of his rhythm by a controversial balk call, Caleb Smith only threw 4 ¹⁄₃ innings. He surrendered six runs on 10 hits and one walk with four strikeouts. Starlin Castro had a fantastic night going 4-for-4 with a solo HR.

August 10—Marlins 7, Braves 6; Alcantara took the mound against the Braves, going 7 ²⁄₃ innings allowing three runs on five hits and two walks with six strikeouts. The Marlins offense came alive after the 8th inning starting with a Curtis Granderson solo HR and a Brian Anderson RBI single. Jon Berti and Isan Diaz had RBI singles before Starlin Castro had a two-run double that tied the game in the ninth and Martin Prado won the game for the Marlins in the 10th on a sac fly.

From Prado’s postgame interview in the clubhouse:

“I was so happy. I was so happy overall—the effort from the young guys, how they handled the pressure. The crowd was unbelievable. And I’m telling you, after the game, we talk about it. [The players] were really excited about it.

“I think Grandy mentioned it: just get used to this...This is what baseball’s all about. Playing in front of a crowd that’s expecting always good things to happen—and I know that’s impossible to happen...But just the way they react, the way they handled the pressure, the way they approached, the way they were intense the whole game, I was just smiling the whole way. Alcantara was unbelievable, and their pitcher, too.

“That’s the type of game that you kinda look back and say, ‘wow, baseball’s a beautiful thing.’”

Marlins Roster Moves

2B Isan Díaz, RHP Robert Dugger, INF Deven Marrero, RHP Héctor Noesí and RHP Ryne Stanek each made their Marlins debuts last week. Dugger is the only one of the bunch not currently on the active roster as he was selected as the 26th man for the doubleheader and promptly returned to Triple-A New Orleans afterwards.

The Marlins placed INF Miguel Rojas, OF César Puello, RHP Tayron Guerrero and INF Neil Walker on the 10-day IL. INF Yadiel Rivera was designated for assignment.

Isan Díaz in Early Slump

Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images

Slotted in as Miami’s everyday second baseman, Díaz only had that one hit in his first 15 major league at-bats. Even Saturday’s effort leaves him with an ugly .174/.240/.348 slash line. David Wilson of the Miami Herald examined his week of performance here.

Time for a Brian Anderson Contract Extension?

Anderson has become the face of the Miami Marlins, according to many people, and has started to become a more complete, all-around player. He leads all Marlins players in different statistical categories as well as playing above average defense at 3B and RF. Fish Stripes’ own Daniel Martinez took a look at why the Marlins should focus on extending Anderson as soon as possible.

Closer Options Past this Season

There is currently no go-to Marlins closer given their recent trades and lack of qualified alternatives in the minors. However, some of those pitchers waiting in the wings could soon get the chance to prove themselves. Andre Fernandez in an article for The Athletic (subscription required) identifies five pitchers who can potentially become the club’s closer of the future.

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With Miami transitioning to their younger players from their farm system, it may take a while for the Marlins to find their groove and win some ballgames. We here at Fish Stripes will always root for the Marlins and will keep you all updated with the latest news, analysis and highlights!