Rain Delay Reading: Skip’s pregame presser and more

CLEVELAND, Ohio—The rain is falling down in Cleveland, as Game 1 of a standard doubleheader has been delayed. See what Skip Schumaker had to say ahead of today’s doubleheader, along with other updates from the team.

Sandy Alcantara’s start for today was scratched due to biceps tendinitis. “It didn’t feel right to start him in a cold-weather environment,” Schumaker said.

This is now the third Marlins pitcher to have biceps issues through the first month of the season, with both Johnny Cueto and Trevor Rogers landing on the 15-day IL.

“They’ve (Cueto, Rogers, and Alcantara) all been isolated,” Schumaker said. “They’re all in different spots in different ways, so I don’t feel like it’s the exact same injury concern.”

Devin Smeltzer is the Game 1 opener for the Marlins. Asked about the decision of sending Smeltzer out there first, Schumaker said, “He faced them last year a few times, had three starts against them with Minnesota. He felt like he was our best chance to provide some length and some innings there.”

Smeltzer has a career .191 batting average and a .219 slugging percentage allowed against the Guardians. Only two Guardians players have multiple hits off of him. José Ramírez has four, while Amed Rosario has three. Smeltzer also has only given up two extra-base hits against Cleveland, both of those being doubles. Skip also told me that there’s no expected pitch count for Smeltzer today, as the team is prepared to let him throw 80 or more pitches today if needed.

Photo by Nick Cammett/Diamond Images via Getty Images

The Marlins selected right-hander Jeff Lindgren to be their designated 27th man for the doubleheader, so the usual group of hitters remains unchanged. Schumaker expects everyone to play. Jesús Sánchez, Garrett Cooper, Nick Fortes, and Garrett Hampson are available off the bench.

What else?

• Tommy Nance has been moved to the 60-day IL to make room for Lindgren on the 40-man roster.
• Jacob Stallings will catch Smeltzer to start Game 1. Fortes, in the midst of a career-worst 2-for-25 stretch at the plate, will presumably catch Braxton Garrett in Game 2.
• Trevor Rogers was added to the 15-day IL last night with a left biceps strain. Steven Okert returned to the Marlins’ roster as the corresponding move, as I’d expect him to pitch this weekend.
• The Guardians are tentatively planning on a 5:00 p.m. first pitch for Game 1.