Fresh Fish News, 9/15/19: Best role for Berti, prospects providing for Bahamas, state of the rotation

The Miami Marlins snapped a five-game losing streak against the San Francisco Giants! Can they build off that and salvage a trying season?

Marlins Game Recaps

The Marlins finished their series against the Kansas City Royals with a win. The Milwaukee Brewers then came into town and swept them in four games. Now, they’re visiting the San Francisco Giants, where they tied the series at one game apiece. For the week, they were 2-5, and overall for the season, they are 52-96.

September 8—Marlins 9, Royals 0; Sandy Alcantara shut out the Royals, throwing a complete game while allowing four hits and two walks with eight strikeouts. The Marlins pounded across nine runs on 13 hits with Starlin Castro getting 2 RBIs with a solo HR. Harold Ramirez and Lewis Brinson also collected 2 RBIs.

September 9—Brewers 8, Marlins 3; Robert Dugger got the start against the Brewers only going three innings, allowing two runs on four hits with four walks and three strikeouts. The Marlins only scored three runs with Miguel Rojas having three hits with 2 RBIs.

September 10—Brewers 4, Marlins 3; Elieser Hernandez took the mound against the Brewers going five innings, allowing three runs on four hits with zero walks and five strikeouts. Isan Diaz had 2 RBIs with two hits while Starlin Castro contributed a solo HR.

September 11—Brewers 7, Marlins 5; Pablo López got the ball against the Brewers going five innings, allowing five runs on five hits with four walks and two strikeouts. Isan had a two-run HR with a walk and Garrett Cooper added a solo HR.

September 12—Brewers 3, Marlins 2; Caleb Smith took the ball against the Brewers going 5 ²⁄₃ innings, allowing three runs on six hits with two walks and four strikeouts. The Marlins only scored two runs on a Miguel Rojas RBI single and a Lewis Brinson RBI single.

September 13—Giants 1, Marlins 0; Sandy Alcantara kept his string of strong starts going by throwing seven innings, allowing one run on nine hits with no walks and six strikeouts. The Marlins only got four hits across; none of those were extra-base hits. Cooper suffered a scary-looking left knee injury while making a catch in right field, but he’s cautiously optimistic about returning to the field this season.

September 14—Marlins 4, Giants 2; Robert Dugger got the start against the Giants and tossed 6 ¹⁄₃ innings, allowing two runs on five hits and two walks with three strikeouts. The Marlins scored four runs on seven hits, ignited by Jorge Alfaro hitting a two-run HR.

Miguel Rojas hit a go-ahead RBI double and Lewis Brinson padded the lead with an RBI single.

Miami Marlins: State of the Rotation

Miami went into the 2019 season trying to find solutions to their rotation problems that they’ve had for years. With many starting pitchers showing their worth, who can be trusted to be important long-term pieces for next season and who should only be considered a “stepping stone” until superior talent arrives? The full article can be read here.

Top Prospects in Instructional League

Many of the Marlins’ top prospects are continuing to stay in baseball shape at the instructional league currently being held in Jupiter. As many as 55 young players will spend time with coaches and instructors to improve on things before next season. Andre Fernandez of The Athletic looks at five high-profile participants.

Fish Stripes will be at Marlins Park on Tuesday when the prospects take part in a closed-door scrimmage. See below for the full roster.

Marlins Communications

Díaz Becoming More Comfortable

Isan Díaz famously made an impact in his first major league game with a home run against reigning NL Cy Young winner Jacob deGrom.

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Since then, however, he is hitting .158, struggling offensively and somewhat defensively, too. Recently, he has been studying hit at-bats and taken a new approach to work through this. The full article by Alanis Thames can be read here.

Prospects Providing Relief to the Bahamas

Shortstops Jazz Chisholm and Ian Lewis participated in a relief drive run by the Marlins to help bring supplies to the Bahamas. The islands were severely affected by Hurricane Dorian. Both Chisholm and Lewis are from the Bahamas, so the natural disaster hit close to home for them. The full article by Joe Frisaro can be read here.

Rojas Wins Heart and Hustle Award

Shortstop Miguel Rojas, who has been one of the Marlins’ best players both on and off the field, was honored as the recipient of the Marlins Heart and Hustle Award. Many others were also recognized in various ways by the MLB Players’ Association. The full article by Wells Dusenbury can be read here.

Looking for Right Role for Berti

Jon Berti has become one of the most versatile Marlins players. The club is trying to figure out where he best fits in 2020 and beyond. In addition to what he brings defensively, the combination of Berti’s his speed and hitting ability make him valuable in the leadoff spot.

In 60 games for the Fish, the rookie is slashing .254/.341/.413 with 102 wRC+ and a 1.4 fWAR.

Even though the season may be winding down, Fish Stripes will continue to bring you all the latest news, highlights and analysis regarding your Miami Marlins.