Our Noticias, 8/16/19: Lucky number 13 for Miami in L.A. rout

Game Recap

Miami's offense broke out in a big way yesterday - and didn't even need to leave the yard to do so. Utilizing small ball and timely hitting, the Marlins hung 13 runs on the Dodgers to salvage the midweek series. LA had not allowed that many runs in a game all season long, and Brian Anderson, Starlin Castro, Jorge Alfaro, and Lewis Brinson all had three RBIs. Caleb Smith earned the win after surrendering only one run over five strong innings in the longest nine-inning game in Marlins Park history (four hours and seven minutes).

Outfield Fences Moving Again?

Despite moving the outfield fences in and significantly lowering them over the past few seasons, Marlins Park is still notoriously stingy when it comes to allowing home runs. With the team struggling for offense, Derek Jeter has suggested that ownership might explore moving the walls in even further to promote higher offensive output.

However, the trouble that could bring for the young pitching staff may outweigh any offensive advantages, especially considering the number of left-handed power hitters that the team now has developing in the minor leagues. They should be able to take advantage of the current field dimensions.

Earlier 2020 Weekday Start Times

During that same media availability, Jeter also provided insight into a number of other Marlins topics, including moving weekday start times next summer from 7:10 p.m. ET to 6:40 p.m. ET, why the team was so aggressive in acquiring shortstop prospect Jazz Chisholm and the trade deadline, and the future of Don Mattingly. The manager’s contract expires after the season and fans are trying to weigh their fondness for him with the temptation to bring in a new voice who’s more aligned with modern baseball strategy.

Prospect Performances of the Week

Victor Mesa Jr. continues to flash his serious potential as a 17-year-old. The young outfielder collected another three hits yesterday, and this recent tear has raised his batting average to .292 on the year, although he is yet to leave the yard after 40 professional games. Jacksonville right-hander Jorge Guzman is finishing the campaign strong, punctuated by six hitless innings last Friday with a career-high 13 strikeouts.

Conveniently, all standout performances from Marlins prospects over the last week can be found by following this link.

Stuck on 99

Not known for his power, Martín Prado has been one home run away from No. 100 for his career since late April, with significant time on the IL and the emergence of Garrett Cooper as an everyday infield option limiting his opportunities this season. The 35 year-old is out of contract at the end of 2019. With his extensive injury history and poor performance over recent years, he will find it difficult to land a significant role for 2020. All in all, Prado chasing that elusive dinger before a potential retirement announcement is a storyline to watch moving forward.

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Up Next

The Marlins are heading to Coors Field in Denver for a weekend series against the Rockies, and Sandy Alcantara (4-10, 4.44 ERA) will start game one tonight against Jon Gray (10-8, 4.06 ERA) at 8:40pm ET.