The Offishial Show Episode 111: Which Alfaro Are We Getting Back?

Ely Sussman reviews a stressful yet successful weekend for the Miami Marlins (2:45), names the latest Marlins Minor Leaguers of the Week plus honorable mentions (18:45), then explores what to expect from Jorge Alfaro in his return from the injured list (24:00).

Enjoy Episode 111!

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Pensacola outfielder Peyton Burdick is my pick for minor league hitter of the week (honorable mention: Griffin Conine) while Pensacola right-hander Max Meyer takes home the MiLB pitching honors (honorable mention: Elieser Hernandez).

During the month-long absence of Jorge Alfaro (hamstring strain), Marlins catchers Sandy León and Chad Wallach have failed to produce. The well-traveled León has posted a 29 wRC+ in 25 games (100 represents league average); Wallach owns a 47 wRC+ in his 22 games. Baseball Savant and Baseball Prospectus both regard León as a poor pitch framer in 2021, while opponents are running rampant on Wallach’s arm. Alfaro should reinforce Miami’s lineup with his all-fields power and superior baserunning once reinstated from the IL this week.

Wallach is expected to be optioned to Triple-A Jacksonville as the corresponding roster move for Alfaro. Splitting hairs between Wallach and León mainly comes down to León’s lack of minor league options and the fact that he can collect his full $1.25 million salary even if he isn’t claimed off waivers. For what it’s worth, Marlins pitchers have a stellar 2.88 earned run average in 172 total innings when paired with León, compared to a 3.57 ERA with Wallach (and a 4.15 ERA with Alfaro).

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Fish Stripes is ranked by Feedspot as the world’s No. 2 Miami Marlins podcast (trailing only the pod that’s produced by the franchise itself). Our programs include The Offishial Show, Marlins Barbecue, Earning Their Stripes and Big Hall Talk. All new episodes are posted to FishStripes.com/podcasts. You can subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, Podbean, Megaphone or wherever you normally get your pods from.