Our Noticias, 7/13/20: Starting rotation, center field decisions; Jazz’s return

Marlins rotation outlook

Any day now, we are expecting the Marlins to officially announce Sandy Alcantara as their 2020 Opening Day starter. But what they do behind him is somewhat unsettled. Pablo López’s father tragically passed away and he’s been excused from the team indefinitely to grieve with his family. Right-handers Elieser Hernandez and Jordan Yamamoto auditioned for the fifth rotation spot during Sunday’s simulated game...with mixed results:

Don Mattingly hinted that the Marlins expect to break camp with more pitchers than position players on the 30-man active roster. This jives with my theory—mentioned last week on Fish Across the Pond—that we may see conventional starting pitchers deployed in “piggyback” roles the first couple weeks.

Robert Dugger and Nick Neidert hope to help their cases by impressing in sim game action on Monday. Hector Rodriguez (@Hector_Baseball) will update you from Marlins Park. First pitch at approximately 5:30 p.m. ET.

The Clubhouse

The fourth episode of “The Clubhouse” with Miguel Rojas features Neidert and fellow highly touted Marlins prospect Jazz Chisholm. The latter had been conspicuously absent from Summer Camp on the heels of an excellent spring training. Fortunately, the team confirmed this weekend that Chisholm is now reporting to the alternate training site in Jupiter. Though never said explicitly, all signs point to the previous issue being related to COVID-19.

Walk-off links

• At least until they begin breaking the hearts of their opponents by winning some ballgames, MLB fans surveyed by SB Nation Reacts can’t find much reason to dislike the Marlins. Sign up via email to participate in these every week throughout the regular season.

• Don’t forget about Corey Dickerson! MLB.com’s Matt Kelly reiterates what a good value he is for the Marlins considering his consistently great production at the plate.
• The Marlins had a revolving door in center field during the 2019 campaign. It will be a tough decision for them entering 2020 as well, but for good reason. Make your prediction in our Twitter poll.

• Can you name all nine Cuban-born players in Marlins history?
• Son Los Marlins is unveiling a Marlins All Time Team that includes Iván Rodríguez, Jeff Conine, Luis Castillo, Hanley Ramírez and Mike Lowell.
• Francisco Oporta (@MarlinsHistory) dreams of “La Batería Miami,” a thriving commercial district surrounding the ballpark.
• Happy birthday to Fish Stripes’ own Alex Contreras and to my dad, Douglas Sussman.