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Good enough, I guess
Every Marlins player who was infected during the infamous COVID-19 outbreak earlier this season has resumed baseball activities at the team’s alternate training site. This is despite the fact that some of them aren’t virus-free yet, as Jon Heyman explains:
While all 18 Marlins who tested positive were cleared to return. and many had two negative tests, in some cases they were approved to return due to time elapsed and other factors considered by the MLB joint committee. In other words not all 18 had 2 negative tests. https://t.co/6yObYjTYbU
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) August 17, 2020
If that policy is good enough for epidemiologists, then it’s good enough for me. Though it goes without saying that the Marlins will be (deservedly) excoriated if any of their personnel in Jupiter contracts COVID in the near future.
Per insider Craig Mish, Miguel Rojas appears to be ahead of his teammates in his “rehab assignment.” He took at-bats during a simulated game on Saturday. On Twitter, he describes the challenge of facing Marlins top prospect Sixto Sánchez, but proudly shares footage of the base hit he got against him.
Mets series preview
The Fish (9-6) continue their homestand by hosting the last-place Mets (9-14) for four games.
Probable starters: Monday—RHP Robert Gsellman (9.00 ERA, 5.47 FIP in 3.0 IP) and RHP Jordan Yamamoto (9.82 ERA, 8.59 FIP in 7.1 IP); Tuesday—LHP David Peterson (2.91 ERA, 4.01 FIP in 21.2 IP) and RHP Humberto Mejía (3.86 ERA, 6.14 FIP in 2.1 IP)
Notable absences: Jacob deGrom was lined up to start Wednesday’s game, but those plans are potentially in jeopardy due to a stiff neck. He’ll be pitching a bullpen session on Monday. Assuming he completes it with no concerns, the dominant ace will make that scheduled start. Meanwhile, fellow right-hander Michael Wacha (shoulder inflammation) is unavailable. Corey Dickerson (bereavement list) is expected to return to the Marlins active roster midway through the series. The entire offense has been lifeless in two games without him, batting .138 and scoring only one run. With the possible exception of Rojas, you won’t be seeing any of Miami’s COVID reinforcements quite yet.
Mattingly snaps at bad umps
For three straight series, the same umpiring crew has been working Marlins games. It’s been hard to ignore their inconsistent strike zones.
Midway through Sunday’s game, Don Mattingly finally snapped at James Hoye:
Here's the full Don Mattingly ejection. Includes him getting tossed, the profanity laced argument, and the ball/strike call that set him off.
— Foolish Baseball (@FoolishBB) August 16, 2020
I have attempted to reduce the crowd noise a bit to get even clearer audio. Truly a landmark moment for f-bombs on live television. pic.twitter.com/Ah9VZRyrGF
That’s the first time he has been ejected in 2020 and therefore the first time bench coach/offensive coordinator James Rowson has assumed the duties of acting manager. Rowson interviewed for the managerial opening with his former team, the Minnesota Twins, and he is, in my opinion, the leading internal candidate to become Miami’s skipper after Mattingly’s contract expires.
Walk-off links
- Current 2020 Marlins playoff odds according to FanGraphs: 24.0%.
- The cameras at Marlins Park were on early Friday afternoon to capture Dickerson, Jesús Aguilar, Jon Berti and Magneuris Sierra taking batting practice.
- Take a closer look at Sunday’s Miami Giants throwback uniforms.
- Watch Marlins prospect RHP Kendry Montesino dial it up to 95.