Fish Stripes: All Posts by Ely Sussman

Fish Stripes Top 30: 2023 Pre-Draft Edition

2023-05-24T09:00:00-04:00

Photo by Peter Joneleit/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

An updated look at the top Miami Marlins prospects.

For a low-budget franchise like the Miami Marlins, scouting and player development will always be crucial. To ultimately compete at the major league level, the Fish must first identify players with promising talent and makeup, then bring out the best in them. Some will matriculate to Miami’s roster, while others will be flipped elsewhere for more complementary pieces, and the reality is, some won’t succeed as pros, derailed by injuries, exploitable weaknesses and/or personal issues. That’s why continually assessing young players is a key part of the process—how do we value them right now and where is that value going to be at the trade deadline, next offseason or multiple years down the road?

Frankly, the Marlins have not done a great job at this and there have been consequences, such as the firings of executives Gary Denbo and Geoff DeGroot during the past year. By any objective measure, the quality of this farm system was average or worse entering 2023. That’s even with a huge boost from their consensus No. 1 prospect, Eury Pérez, who is on track to graduate from eligibility in the coming months. There are plenty of other guys progressing nicely so far this season, however.

At Fish Stripes, we are highlighting the best prospects in Miami’s pipeline, ranked by their projected MLB production.

Baseball-Reference

Stats updated through May 21 (Minor League Baseball regular season games only)

Baseball-Reference

Stats updated through May 21 (Minor League Baseball regular season games only)

Expect our next Top 30 update to be published in August following the MLB Draft and MLB trade deadline.

1) Eury Pérez

Jasen Vinlove/Miami Marlins/Getty Images

Current level: MLB

In parts of two seasons with the Pensacola Blue Wahoos (AA), Eury Pérez put up a 3.57 ERA and 3.58 FIP in 106.0 IP, rarely facing a batter younger than himself. Particularly over his final four starts in the Southern League, it became obvious that he was ready for a new challenge. Rather than bump the homegrown right-hander up to Triple-A, the Marlins made the aggressive decision to plug him into their MLB rotation.

With a fastball that sits 96-97 mph (topping out at 100), Eury also uses a changeup, curveball, and slider. His nasty changeup bears some resemblance to Sandy Alcantara’s—this should come as no coincidence since they were all working together throughout this past offseason and during Spring Training. Both breaking balls are already average or better pitches, according to Aram Leighton of Just Baseball.

Extra-tall pitchers historically have trouble locating their stuff. That’s what makes the 6’8” Eury special. His walk rate has been lower than the league average at every level, thanks to a smooth, repeatable delivery.

Eury made his first major league start on May 12, where he went 4 ²⁄₃ innings, struck out seven, walked two, and gave up two runs (both on solo home runs). The next time he took the mound, he was even better (5.0 IP, 3 H, 1 ER, 1 BB, 6 K, 1 HR). Most recently against the Colorado Rockies on Tuesday,

Considering his limited professional experience, it goes without saying that Eury is an unfinished product. However, he has the ceiling of a true major league ace.

Next steps for Pérez: prove he can go beyond six innings/90 pitches; more consistent changeup

2) Dax Fulton

Photo by Pensacola Blue Wahoos

Current level: AA (IL)

In 2022, Dax Fulton was second only to Eury among Marlins MiLB starters with a strikeout rate of nearly 30%. By also limiting free passes and homers, he had an excellent 3.08 FIP with the Beloit Sky Carp (A+) and kept it going with a 3.11 FIP following his promotion to AA. Fulton saved his best for last—with the Blue Wahoos on the brink of elimination in the Southern League playoffs, he struck out 13 in a must-win game.

-Career high 13 Ks
-Struck out last four hitters
-Struck out 10 of last 12 batters
-Only one hit allowed
-Six scoreless innings

Dax Fulton was ridiculous tonight. pic.twitter.com/ajaHdit13N
— Pensacola Blue Wahoos (@BlueWahoosBBall) September 24, 2022

Dax’s signature pitch continues to be his curveball. Last year, he also began using a harder, more slider-like version of it when ahead in the count. The fastball currently sits around 92-95 mph. He occasionally mixes in a high-80s changeup, but doesn’t command it precisely.

Entering his age-21 season, Fulton did not impress during the brief game action he received as a non-roster invitee at big league camp this spring. Upon returning to Pensacola, he had trouble putting batters away throughout the month of April. Just when it seemed as though he was getting back on track, he was placed on the injured list on May 18. Assuming the injury isn’t serious, Fulton could emerge as a rotation candidate for the Marlins at some point in 2024.

Next steps for Fulton: get healthy; larger velo separation between fastball and changeup

3) Yiddi Cappe

Photo by Beloit Sky Carp

Current level: A+

The tall, lean Cuban infielder signed with the Marlins for a $3.5 million bonus. Cappe took home Minor League Player of the Year honors last season at only 19 years old (to be fair, there weren’t many other great position player candidates in the organization). He slashed .290/.328/.438 in 67 total games with the Jupiter Hammerheads (A) and FCL Marlins (Rk) while playing most of his defensive innings at shortstop.

Even though there is a lot of room for Cappe to continue adding muscle, he’s been making loud contact as it is. His ability to make so much contact in the first place is impressive for a player with such long limbs and limited MiLB reps.

First pitch ambush by Yiddi Cappe. His seventh double.#Marlins | @beloitskycarp pic.twitter.com/tHZF9MtDLv
— Fish on the Farm (@marlinsminors) May 6, 2023

In Beloit, Cappe is spending almost all of his time at second base. He got off to an amazing start at the plate, but slumped badly in the month of May.

Next steps for Cappe: stop chasing high fastballs outside the zone

4) Jake Eder

Photo by Pensacola Blue Wahoos

Current level: AA (IL)

Next steps for Eder: get healthy

5) Max Meyer

Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images

Current level: MLB (IL)

Next steps for Meyer:

6) Jacob Berry

Photo by Danis Sosa/Fish Stripes

Current level: A+

The Miami Marlins 2022 first-round selection has had his highs and lows throughout his short Marlins organizational tenure. For Berry, the issue has never been the bat as much as the questionable defense, but this season, both the offense and the defense have been the issue. Berry has made four errors through 153 innings playing third base and is slashing .160/.181/.296/.477 with one home run and 10 RBIs. The LSU product is striking out at a 28.9% rate and walking at a 2.4% rate. The hope for Berry would be to have him move to either first base or left field to see if he can simply just focus on the offensive end which is a big reason why he was drafted.

No worries, DeepSea_Takes! We've got something for everyone. Enjoy this Jacob Berry triple. pic.twitter.com/M7Dp64AQoa
— Beloit Sky Carp (@beloitskycarp) April 28, 2023

At this moment in time, it is hard to decide what the future for Berry will look like, but if he can just get it going with the bat and have consistency, then the organization as a whole can figure out where to put him on defense.

Next steps for Berry: switch to easier defensive position (corner OF or 1B)

7) Kahlil Watson

_kahlillwatson_/Instagram

Current level: A+

After a 2022 season that was filled with ups and downs, 2021 first-round pick, Kahlil Watson, was able to go through a whole off-season of preparation for the 2023 season where despite an ankle injury early on that sidelined him for a couple of weeks, he has looked really good slashing .298/.417/.468/.885 with one home run and four RBIs.

A very encouraging improvement that we have seen from Watson is the low strikeout rate he has been able to produce thus far. Going from a 35.5% K rate with High-A Beloit in 2022 to now being at a 20.0% K rate and 18.3% walk rate this season, shows the improvement at the plate to be less aggressive, which has led to positive results as he is currently at a 152 wRC+.

Kahlil Watson doesn't need your ladder.

The Best Athlete in the Marlins Organization shows off the hops for the out! pic.twitter.com/L1GOdLENoI
— Beloit Sky Carp (@beloitskycarp) May 5, 2023

If Watson can find some of the power that we know he has and drive in some runs at the rate that he is currently hitting, then Miami could possibly have themselves a blue chip prospect that will be on many top 100 prospects lists.

Defensively, Watson has been the Sky Carps shortstop, and it seems like he will continue to play shortstop throughout his development in the minor leagues. Watson has only made two errors thus far, but that is something that comes with the position. As for his arm strength, MLB Pipeline has Watson with a 60-grade arm, which for the position is good.

Next steps for Watson:

8) Nasim Nuñez

Photo by Pensacola Blue Wahoos

Current level: AA

After being a below-average offensive prospect for the last couple of seasons, Nuñez was arguably one of the most improved prospects in the 2022 season. Slashing .247/.390/.323/.714 with an 18.8% walk rate, 27.2% strikeout rate, and a 112 wRC+, Nuñez earned the promotion to AA where he began making a lot more bat-to-ball contact and slashed .261/.371/.303/.673 with a 14.1% walk rate and 90 wRC+.

In 2023, Nuñez has gotten off to a hot start and has made multiple improvements offensively. Nuñez continues to be an on-base machine as he has a .413 OBP and is walking at an 18.1% walk rate which is the second-highest of his career.

Nasim Nuñez had an RBI earlier in the game today to tie it up for the Wahoos. #Marlins pic.twitter.com/QekJ7TRXVz
— Kevin Barral (@kevin_barral) May 14, 2023

A big issue for Nuñez throughout his minor league career has been the lack of power that he has. Thus far in 2023, Nasim has the highest slugging percentage of his career at .383 and his three home runs have all been to the opposite field.

Defensively, Nuñez has no business moving positions as he is the best defensive shortstop in the organization. His quickness and athleticism to make plays are a big reason for his success thus far.

Nasim Nuñez will definitely be someone who will be rated higher on this list once there is a possible update to be made as he is outperforming guys above him such as Ian Lewis and Jacob Berry, but it is too early to tell if this offensive improvement will be something that is consistent and something that can translate to not only the next level of minor league baseball but the major leagues.

Next steps for Nuñez:

9) Jacob Amaya

Photo by Kevin Barral/Fish Stripes

Current level: AAA

Acquired by Miami this off-season in exchange for starting shortstop Miguel Rojas, Amaya is a glove-first shortstop prospect who broke out with the bat in 2022. In 133 games across AA and AAA, Amaya slashed .261/.369/.427 along with 17 homers and 20 doubles. It was easily his highest slugging season in affiliated ball. To begin 2023, Miami sent him to AAA Jacksonville where after a slow start, he has raised his OPS to .730 and has slugged close to .400. I expect him to make his Major League debut some time this season.

Next steps for Amaya:

10) Ian Lewis

Photo by Kevin Barral/Fish Stripes

Current level: A

Next steps for Lewis:

11) Peyton Burdick

Jasen Vinlove/Miami Marlins/Getty Images

Current level: MLB

Next steps for Burdick: shorten his swing

12) Xavier Edwards

Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images

Current level: MLB

Next steps for Edwards: getting more reps in CF

13) Victor Mesa Jr.

Photo by Pensacola Blue Wahoos

Current level: AA

After a solid showing with the Beloit Sky Carp in 2022 where he slashed .243/.323/.346/.779 with 50 RBIs. What helped Mesa Jr. in 2022 was the defense that he played well in CF. Despite an 89 wRC+ in 2022, Mesa Jr. showed that there is improvement still to be made and that there is a lot that he is doing well in terms of his approach at the plate.

Need a bases-clearing, three-run double to left field? Once again, Victor Mesa Jr. is your guy. pic.twitter.com/JicQjE1c7V
— Pensacola Blue Wahoos (@BlueWahoosBBall) May 14, 2023

In 2023, VMJ has been a lot more aggressive and it is paying off. Slashing .298/.351/.488/.839 with three home runs and 14 RBIs. Mesa Jr. is sporting a 131 wRC+. Mesa Jr. has also looked good in the outfield, but it is hard to say if he will be playing center field at the major league level with guys like Jazz who has already made the adjustment, and Jake Mangum who is currently in AAA putting up some very nice numbers.

If Mesa Jr. were to be given the promotion to AAA, then it wouldn’t be shocking if we see him in one of the corner outfield spots which wouldn’t be a bad move for him since he can play all three spots efficiently.

Next steps for Mesa:

14) Jacob Miller

Photo by Mary DeCicco/MLB Photos via Getty Images

Current level: A

Next steps for Miller:

15) Karson Milbrandt

kars0nnnn/Instagram

Current level: A

Next steps for Milbrandt:

16) Joe Mack

Current level: A+

Next steps for Mack:

17) Jordan Groshans

Current level: AAA

Next steps for Groshans:

18) Jerar Encarnación

Current level: AAA

After mashing in AA and AAA, Jerar Encarnacion forced his way up to the big leagues and had some success in certain games, but overall, his cup of coffee was a disapointing one as he slashed .182/.210/.338/.548 with three home runs and 14 RBIs.

In Spring Training, Jerar began playing a lot more first base since that is not only a position he played often, but also is a need in the organization as Garrett Coop (currently on the 10-day IL) and Yuli Gurriel (38 years old) are the only first baseman on the active 26-man roster. Jerar would be the next first baseman up to back up Yuli.

Jerar Encarnacion with a two-run homer

Exit Velo: 107.8 MPH

Launch Angle: 21 DEG

Distance: 347 FT#Marlins pic.twitter.com/Z401LXUoOA
— Kevin Barral (@kevin_barral) May 13, 2023

Thus far in 2023, Jerar is slashing .271/.382/.457/.839 with five home runs and 25 RBIs. Jerar is also sporting a 116 wRC+ which is the highest it has been since he was in AA last season.

The big issue for Jerar that may be keeping him down in AAA is the 39.3% strikeout rate. Jerar likes to be an aggressive hitter and find the big swing, but that is what may be holding him back at this current moment.

Jerar is still a top-30 prospect because of what he can be if he cut down on the strikeout rate and just looked to make more contact than power. Jerar also had a respectable spring training where he slashed .240/.375/.320/.695 and he walked six times against 13 strikeouts.

19) José Gerardo

Current status: awaiting assignment

Next steps for Gerardo:

20) Marco Vargas

Current status: awaiting assignment

Next steps for Vargas: stateside production

21) Antony Peguero

Current status: awaiting assignment

Next steps for Peguero: stateside production

22) Paul McIntosh

Current level: AA (IL)

With McIntosh, the bat has never been the issue as he slashed .258/.379/.465/.844 with 13 home runs, 51 RBIs, and a 125 wRC+. The issue for PMAC is the defense as a catcher. He struggled a lot last season as he committed 15 errors at the position. He caught 17 stealing and allowed five passed balls in the 2022 season. In Spring Training, McIntosh did work a lot on his defense and it showed throughout the Spring Training games and in the backfields when he caught lives.

In 2023, McIntosh and many of the guys who were on the 2022 championship squad were kept in Pensacola despite the season they had. Wahoos coach Kevin Randel told the media on Wahoos media day that McIntosh would be playing left field once a week, and that has been the case thus far. In the two games he has played there, he has four putouts and even had a double play.

Offensively, McIntosh has gotten even better. In the 13 games he has played, he is slashing .286/.368/.551/.919 with four home runs, 15 RBIs, and a 148 wRC+. Pmac currently finds himself injured and on the IL, so once he returns, the key for him will be how he can continue to improve defensively and if he can man left field to a certain level.

There is a lot of room to grow for McIntosh but with the uncertainty of where he will play, it is hard to rank him higher on the list as well as just the overall better talent that is in front of him.

Next steps for McIntosh: get healthy;

23) Ronald Hernández

Current status: awaiting assignment

24) Troy Johnston

Current level: AA

Despite Johnston being named a AA All-Star, he was sent back to AA due to the way that the organization handled the AAA assignments. In 2022, there was a point where Troy was arguably the hottest hitter in minor-league baseball and it wasn’t even close. Towards the end of the season, Johnston was promoted to AAA Jacksonville where he struggled and couldn’t get anything going.

Troy Johnston. Bang. pic.twitter.com/mgEYoxxBfR
— Pensacola Blue Wahoos (@BlueWahoosBBall) May 12, 2023

In 2023, Johnston told the media prior to the season that he wanted to be someone who stole more bases, was more aggressive on the base paths, and just repeat as an All-Star. In the off-season, Johnston shedded 10 pounds of weight but assured that he hasn’t lost any of his power and is in fact feeling a lot better about entering the season.

Through 124 plate appearances, Troy is slashing .233/.355/.544/.899 with six home runs, 22 RBIs, eight doubles, three triples, and two stolen bases. You definitely can notice that Johnston, who only had one triple in 2022 is improving on his base running.

The one thing that may be holding Johnston back is just the difficulty that we see from one level to another. This is something that we see in all minor leaguers, but for Johnston, it was evident when he was promoted to AAA and then eventually when he was a part of big league camp where he struggled. If he can maybe spend some time in AAA, which is hopefully soon, then we can see Troy work through his struggles and make an impact soon.

Luckily, with Garrett Cooper on the 10-day IL and on a one-year deal, the only first baseman that is on the Marlins active roster is Yuli Gurriel who is 38 and also on a one-year deal. The chances to see Johnston play at LoanDepot Park are fairly high as he would be the next in line when it comes to a natural first baseman in the organization.

Next steps for Johnston:

25) Cody Morissette

Current level: AA

Fish Stripes original GIF

Next steps for Morissette:

26) Evan Fitterer

Current level: AA

Next steps for Fitterer:

27) Yoffry Solano

Current status: awaiting assignment

Next steps for Solano: stateside production

28) Janero Miller

Current status: awaiting assignment

Next steps for Miller:

29) George Soriano

Current level: AAA

Soriano has already made his major league debut, but is good enough to crack the top 30 list. Despite a debut where he was mostly successful, he did have a lot of luck involved in his short stint with the team as guys would hit him hard, but would stay in the ballpark thanks to the LoanDepot dimensions.

George Soriano with his first strikeout!

Congratulations to him #Marlins pic.twitter.com/suR5uo8Ua4
— Kevin Barral (@kevin_barral) April 16, 2023

Soriano is a three-pitch guy that has a slider that really stands out. Soriano’s slider is a true wipeout pitch that can put away hitters, but in his short stint, when luck was mentioned there are stats to back it up. With a 36.0% groundball rate, 40.0% Hard Hit rate, and 36.0% fly ball percentage.

Although Soriano’s days as a starter are long gone, Soriano being able to pitch in the back end of a bullpen like he has done with AAA and towards the end of his stint in AA is definitely something that he can do, but there is no reason that Soriano should be in the minors.

Next steps for Soriano:

30) Patrick Monteverde

Current level: AA

Monteverde turned 24 years old within a few months of his pro debut. He’s been performing at a very high level, but there’s only so much you can learn about a prospect when they’re frequently facing younger competition. He has the lowest fastball velocity among any of our ranked pitchers. His ability to locate his heaters at the top of the zone and throw his secondaries for strikes has allowed him to thrive in spite of that.

Next steps for Monteverde: generate more ground balls

Honorable Mentions

RHP Nic Enright (MLB, IL)
OF Jake Mangum (AAA)
OF Brian Miller (AAA)
UTIL Dane Myers (AA)
RHP Sixto Sánchez (AAA, IL)
LHP Josh Simpson (AAA, IL)

Offishial news, 5/23/23: Another DLC hot streak; Jonathan Davis trade

2023-05-23T08:30:54-04:00

Photo by Kevin Barral/Fish Stripes

Today’s Marlins news roundup also includes an upcoming line of Sandy Alcantara apparel that’ll raise funds for a good cause.

Monday’s Game

Marlins Podcast Episodes

The Marlins made a peculiar trade, acquiring 31-year-old outfielder Jonathan Davis from the Tigers for outfield prospect Brady Allen, their fifth-round pick from the 2021 MLB Draft. Davis hasn’t shown much pop in his previous MLB opportunities (.185/.291/.245, 54 wRC+ in 350 PA), but he can run and his center field defense for the Brewers last season was very highly regarded by outs above average (5 OAA in 228 ¹⁄₃ innings). He’ll go to Triple-A Jacksonville. Although Allen found a nice groove at the plate for High-A Beloit over the last month, he wasn’t seriously considered for our upcoming Fish Stripes Top 30 prospects list.
Bryan De La Cruz went 4-for-4 with two runs scored against the Rockies, boosting his season batting average above .300.
On the injury front, we’re getting a clearer idea of Trevor Rogers’ timeline to return to the Marlins pitching staff. He will face live hitters in an extended spring training game on Thursday. If all goes according to plan, he’ll continuing stretching out as a starter from there via a minor league rehab assignment. Barring setbacks, Rogers is less than a month away. Meanwhile, Tommy Nance has been slowed down by shoulder soreness. He would’ve been eligible to be reinstated from the 60-day IL this weekend, but that’s no longer in the cards.
Hours after I called for the Marlins to sharply reduce his playing time, Jacob Stallings drove in two of the team’s three runs (he had only 3 RBI all season entering the game).
Elsewhere around the majors, the Dodgers overcame an early 4-0 deficit to beat the Braves and become the first National League team to reach 30 wins. The Royals designated Hunter Dozier for assignment even with more than $15 million remaining on his contract.
Thanks again to Duke Johnson for joining us on Fish Stripes LIVE. Conversation topics included the Marlins’ lack of catcher production and the Davis-for-Allen trade. With chiropractic care and functional health, La Pop takes a preventative approach that optimizes wellness and quality of life for all ages. Find out more here!

The Marlins have a 54.8% chance to win their next game against the Rockies, per FanGraphs. Triple-A Jacksonville (7:05 p.m. ET) is at home while Double-A Pensacola (7:35 p.m. ET), High-A Beloit (7:30 p.m. ET) and Low-A Jupiter (6:30 p.m. ET) are on the road.

Sandy Alcantara is No. 14, Eury Pérez is No. 40, Jesús Luzardo is No. 43, Braxton Garrett is No. 61 and Edward Cabrera is No. 67 on Nick Pollack’s updated list of Top 100 starting pitchers for fantasy baseball.
Glenn Geffner wrote about Jack McKeon and the experience and wisdom he still has to offer at age 92: “The Marlins were a better organization when Jack McKeon was a part of it. And this ownership callously casting aside a beloved and respected franchise icon remains a black eye.”
Ryan Schlesinger is excited to see De La Cruz validating the preseason hype around him with good quality of contact and hitting the ball to all fields.
On this day five years ago, the Marlins rallied in the top of the ninth to steal a win against the Mets. Starlin Castro with the game-winner and Brad Ziegler with the save.
This Friday at noon, Kiwiclo is releasing an apparel collection with Alcantara benefiting the David Ortiz Children’s Fund.

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Tracking Miami Marlins injury, rehab updates

2023-05-23T08:00:52-04:00

Photo by Bryan Cereijo/Getty Images

Letting you know who’s out with injuries, what they’re recovering from and when to expect them back on the field.

No ability is more important than availability. With that in mind, Fish Stripes has created this landing page to be frequently updated throughout the baseball season with the latest on injuries affecting Miami Marlins players in both the majors and minors.

Major League Injuries

RHP Nic Enright (60-day IL, Hodgkin’s Lymphoma)

Last official game appearance: May 20 (rehab assignment, Jacksonville)

Nic Enright striking out Reds #1 prospect Elly De La Cruz

Enright's final line: 3.0 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K (54 pitches/39 strikes)

One more rehab appearance coming next week, then next weekend, he's eligible to come off the 60-day IL pic.twitter.com/tn6L1izLck
— Fish Stripes (@fishstripes) May 21, 2023

Eligible to be reinstated on May 27
Projected return to majors: May 27

LHP A.J. Puk (15-day IL, left elbow nerve irritation)

Last official game appearance: May 10
Playing catch at 90 feet as of May 19 (h/t Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald)
Projected return to majors: early June

LHP Trevor Rogers (15-day IL, left biceps strain)

Last official game appearance: April 19
Scheduled to throw three innings in extended spring training game on May 25 (h/t Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald)
Projected return to majors: mid-June

OF Avisaíl García (10-day IL, left back tightness)

Last official game appearance: April 28
Doing throwing, running and agility work at team complex in Jupiter as of May 22 (h/t Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald)
Projected return to majors: June

OF Jesus Sánchez (10-day IL, right hamstring strain)

Photo by Bryan Cereijo/Getty Images

Last official game appearance: May 13
Doing lower-body strength work at team complex in Jupiter as of May 22 (h/t Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald)
Projected return to majors: June

OF Jazz Chisholm Jr. (10-day IL, right turf toe)

Last official game appearance: May 13
Doing upper-body work at team complex in Jupiter as of May 22 (h/t Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald)
Projected return to majors: late June

RHP Johnny Cueto (15-day IL, right biceps tightness and sprained ankle)

Last official game appearance: May 6 (rehab assignment, Jacksonville)
Playing catch at 105 feet as of May 22 (h/t Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald)
Projected return to majors: early July

RHP Tommy Nance (60-day IL, right shoulder strain)

Last official game appearance: May 12 (rehab assignment, Jupiter)
Returned from rehab assignment on May 22 due to shoulder soreness and will be re-evaluated

RHP Anthony Bender (60-day IL, Tommy John surgery)

Last official game appearance: August 13, 2022
Continuing throwing program at 105 feet as of May 12 (h/t Kevin Barral, Fish Stripes)
Projected return to majors: Opening Day 2024

RHP Max Meyer (60-day IL, Tommy John surgery)

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A post shared by Fish on the Farm (@marlinsminors)

Last official game appearance: July 23, 2022
Continuing throwing program at 105 feet as of May 12 (h/t Kevin Barral, Fish Stripes)
Projected return to majors: early 2024

Minor League Injuries (in alphabetical order)

RHP Delvis Alegre (60-day IL)

Assigned to Low-A Jupiter
Last official game appearance: September 13, 2021

LHP Sandro Bargallo (60-day IL)

Assigned to Low-A Jupiter
Last official game appearance: September 9, 2022

RHP Jesse Bergin (7-day IL, Tommy John surgery)

Assigned to Low-A Jupiter
Last official game appearance: September 17, 2021
Underwent surgery on May 10
Projected return to Low-A: mid-2024

RHP Paul Campbell (60-day IL, Tommy John surgery recovery)

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A post shared by Paul Campbell (@paulyc23)

Assigned to Triple-A Jacksonville
Last official game appearance: April 10, 2022
Underwent Tommy John surgery in July 2022
April 1 update from Campbell: “Rehab is going exceptionally well”
Projected return to Triple-A: Opening Day 2024 (“slight possibility” before the end of 2023)

LHP Daniel Castano (7-day IL)

Assigned to Triple-A Jacksonville
Last official game appearance: April 7

LHP Juan Díaz (60-day IL)

Assigned to Low-A Jupiter
Last official game appearance: August 18, 2022

LHP Jake Eder (7-day IL, fractured left foot)

Assigned to Double-A Pensacola
Last official game appearance: August 13, 2021
Director of minor league operations Hector Crespo via the Miami Herald: “Looking like he can get back in mid to late June. It was a freak accident off the field; he had dealt with foot issues and stepped the wrong way and tweaked something during spring training.”

RHP Justin Evans (7-day IL)

Assigned to Double-A Pensacola
Last official game appearance: April 18

LHP Dax Fulton (7-day IL)

Assigned to Double-A Pensacola
Last official game appearance: May 11

OF Norel González (7-day IL)

Assigned to Double-A Pensacola
Last official game appearance: April 22

RHP Colton Hock (7-day IL)

Assigned to Triple-A Jacksonville
Last official game appearance: April 6 (rehab assignment, Jupiter)
Removed from rehab game in the middle of a plate appearance due to potential injury

OF Osiris Johnson (7-day IL, lower leg)

Assigned to High-A Beloit
Last official game appearance: April 12

RHP Robinson Martinez (7-day IL)

Assigned to Double-A Pensacola
Last official game appearance: September 17, 2022

C Paul McIntosh (7-day IL)

Assigned to Double-A Pensacola
Last official game appearance: May 2

RHP Zach McCambley (7-day IL, right elbow soreness)

Assigned to Double-A Pensacola
Last official game appearance: August 18, 2022
Director of minor league operations Hector Crespo via the Miami Herald: “There’s nothing structurally wrong. He will be built up, should be back mid to late June.”

LHP Patrick Murphy (7-day IL)

Assigned to Double-A Pensacola
Last official game appearance: May 10

RHP Jean Reyes (awaiting official IL placement, Tommy John surgery)

Assigned to FCL Marlins
Last official game appearance: September 8, 2022
Underwent surgery on April 7
Projected return to FCL: 2024

LHP Eliezer Rodriguez (7-day IL)

Assigned to Low-A Jupiter
Last official game appearance: September 18, 2021

RHP Sixto Sánchez (7-day IL, right shoulder arthroscopic bursectomy)

Assigned to Triple-A Jacksonville
Last official game appearance: March 25, 2021
Playing catch at 105/120 feet as of May 19 (h/t Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald)

LHP Josh Simpson (7-day IL)

Assigned to Triple-A Jacksonville
Last official game appearance: April 26

LHP Dale Stanavich (7-day IL)

Assigned to Low-A Jupiter
Last official game appearance: September 4, 2022

LHP Dameivi Tineo (awaiting official IL placement, Tommy John surgery)

@d___tineo29/Instagram

Dameivi Tineo selfie from Feb. 15, 2023

Assigned to FCL Marlins
Last official game appearance: August 18, 2022
Underwent Tommy John surgery during the 2022-23 offseason.
Projected return to Low-A: Opening Day 2024

Marlins vs. Rockies: Start time, how to watch and game thread—May 22, 2023

2023-05-22T18:30:03-04:00

Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images

Edward Cabrera and Chase Anderson will start Monday’s Marlins vs. Rockies game at Coors Field. Full lineups and game notes in here.

Welcome to Monday’s Marlins (24-23, -54 RD) vs. Rockies (19-28, -46 RD) game thread.

It’s the opening of a new Marlins series, which means we’re doing an hour-long livestream with the Fish Stripes staff and special guests.

Participate in Prediction Time with us by becoming a Super Subscriber on Twitter or YouTube!

Marlins Game Notes

Marlins Starting Lineup

Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images

LF Jon Berti (87 wRC+ this season, bats right)
2B Luis Arraez (152, L)
DH Jorge Soler (127, R)
1B Garrett Cooper (83, R)
RF Bryan De La Cruz (110, R)
3B Jean Segura (44, R)
SS Joey Wendle (25, R)
C Jacob Stallings (-4, R)
CF Garrett Hampson (79, R)

RHP Edward Cabrera (85 ERA+ this season)

Pregame Roster Moves: OF Jonathan Davis acquired from Detroit Tigers for OF Brady Allen

Lineup Changes from Previous Game: Arraez, Segura, Stallings and Wendle in, Peyton Burdick, Xavier Edwards, Nick Fortes and Yuli Gurriel out; Berti switches from 3B to LF, Soler switches from RF to DH, Cooper switches from DH to 1B, De La Cruz switches from LF to RF, Hampson switches from SS to CF

Additional Marlins Notes: Last time Cabrera pitched at Coors, he threw his record-setting 96 mile-per-hour changeup and carried a no-hitter into the sixth inning...There’s no immediate impact of the Jonathan Davis trade on Miami’s major league roster, but solid chance he makes his way up at some point this season...Cooper is coming off his worst series of the year (0-for-11, 1 BB).

Rockies Starting Lineup

Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images

DH Charlie Blackmon (104 wRC+ this season, bats left)
LF Jurickson Profar (87, S)
RF Kris Bryant (103, R)
C Elias Díaz (115, R)
3B Ryan McMahon (74, L)
2B Harold Castro (68, L)
CF Brenton Doyle (103, R)
1B Michael Toglia (16, S)
SS Ezequiel Tovar (48, R)

RHP Chase Anderson (career 100 ERA+)

Rockies Notes: Remember to recalibrate your expectations for the high altitude—there’s been an average of 11.45 runs scored per game at Coors Field this season...Anderson hasn’t yielded a run in 10 total innings pitched for the Rays and Rockies. He has historically had big reverse platoon splits (.824 OPS vs. RHB, .682 OPS vs. LHB).

How to Watch/Listen/Follow

First pitch is scheduled for 8:40 p.m. ET, the latest scheduled start time for any Marlins regular season game this season. Watch on Bally Sports Florida or listen to the radio broadcast on Fox Sports 940 Miami.

Nick Turok will handle the game recap article.

Why it’s time for Marlins to demote Jacob Stallings

2023-05-22T11:00:42-04:00

Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports

The Marlins must face the reality that Stallings is barely playable at this stage of his career.

By the end of the 2021 season, it became apparent that the Miami Marlins needed to start over at the catcher position. Few acquisitions of Kim Ng’s GM tenure have been as well-received as the trade she made to get Jacob Stallings that November. Following three straight seasons of solid hitting and still having three more years of club control remaining and fresh off winning the National League Gold Glove, the veteran backup filled a void.

Unfortunately, 18 months into his Marlins career, Stallings has failed to deliver. There is no way to sugarcoat it: he’s made a team weakness even weaker.

Stallings enters play on Monday with a .118/.178/.162 slash line this season. His -4 wRC+ is the worst in all of Major League Baseball among hitters with a minimum of 75 plate appearances. Early in the year, his batted ball quality was intriguing—if he could just go to the pull side more often and get some better luck, decent results seemed attainable. Those “barrels” have gone away, however. Stallings is more than a month removed from his last extra-base hit.

Baseball Savant

Considering how physically demanding the position is on a player’s lower body, it is natural to assume that any catcher will be a liability as a baserunner. Even relative to his fellow backstops, Stallings is a snail. His Sprint Speed, as calculated by Baseball Savant, was in the first percentile among qualifiers in 2022 and it’s in the second percentile in 2023. It takes him five full seconds to get down the first-base line. The last time he scored from first base on a double was 2019.

Most disappointing of all, Stallings’ defense has slipped. He arrived to Miami with the reputation of being a great receiver and solid pitch framer, but hasn’t sustained that. MLB rule changes have shortened the distance between bases and limited the number of “disengagements” that pitchers can use to keep runners in check. That has exposed Stallings’ throwing arm, which is mediocre in terms of both strength and accuracy. Only one baserunner (Mike Yastrzemski) has been caught stealing by him this season in 20 attempts.

Baseball Savant

Catchers can add intangible value with their game-calling and their relationships with individual pitchers. When Sandy Alcantara emerged as a superstar in 2022 and won the NL Cy Young award, Stallings got a share of the credit—after all, he caught 100% of the ace’s pitches. That myth about Stallings pushing all the right buttons is gradually being busted in 2023 as the battery is routinely getting scored upon in late-game situations. What if Alcantara’s historic campaign was simply the byproduct of an experienced starter peaking at age 26?

It’d be wrong to overreact to a small portion of a single season, no matter how bad. In Stallings’ case, though, he struggled for most of 2022 as well. Since becoming a Marlin, his -1.5 wins above replacement is the fourth-worst of any MLB position player, per FanGraphs. He is only ahead of the retiring Miguel Cabrera, the recently retired Robinson Chirinos and Franmil Reyes. Continuing to have Stallings catch approximately half of Miami’s games is unjustifiable.

Earning $3.35 million this season, Stallings would be due a similar or greater salary via arbitration next season. We’ve seen enough to predict that the Marlins won’t be amenable to that.

I am not recommending that the Marlins cut their losses with Stallings (yet). Nick Fortes (51 wRC+, 0.2 fWAR in 31 G) has also been a disappointment this season and there isn’t any other major league-ready catcher in the organization worth getting excited about. Triple-A Jacksonville’s Austin Allen makes loud contact and has homered six times in the month of May alone, but he didn’t hit a lick in his previous MLB opportunities from 2019-2022 and he can’t control the running game, either. Double-A Pensacola’s Paul McIntosh is currently injured. It’s too early in the year to convince another club to trade you their established catcher. By all accounts a supportive teammate, there is no urgency to extricate Stallings from Miami’s clubhouse.

What I am recommending is that the Marlins use the coming months to determine what Fortes is capable of. Let him catch Alcantara. Let him catch...pretty much everybody.

The playing time split I’m envisioning would have Fortes being the main catcher for every Marlins starter except Edward Cabrera. Cabrera’s best outings this season have come with Stallings behind the plate. Even when the enigmatic right-hander is sharp, he’s rarely efficient enough to stick around beyond the sixth inning, so there would be opportunities to pinch-hit for Stallings once Cabrera is out of the game and the Marlins need offense. Stallings could also start occasionally in day-game-after-night-game scenarios.

Let me know what you think in the comments.

The Fish Stripes podcast channel has rebranded to Fish on First! Our programs include The Offishial Show, Fish Stripes Unfiltered, Fishology, State of the Fish and What a Relief. 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.

Offishial news, 5/22/23: Stallings reaches new low; in awe of Arraez

2023-05-22T07:30:44-04:00

Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images

Today’s Marlins news roundup also includes a podcast co-hosted by two former Miami relievers.

Sunday’s Games

Marlins Podcast Episodes

Sunday’s Marlins MiLB notes: Every Marlins affiliate won their game! Brian Miller (Jacksonville) set a season high with four hits. Enmanuel De Jesús earned the win in his first appearance for the Jumbo Shrimp (5.0 IP, 2 H, 1 ER, 2 BB, 5 K, 1 HR). Nasim Nuñez (Pensacola) became the first player in the Marlins organization to reach 20 stolen bases. Evan Taylor (Jupiter) picked up his seventh save—that’s tied for the highest total in the Marlins organization. The 2022 draftee could be getting a promotion to High-A in the near future.
By registering an RBI single, Giants rookie Casey Schmitt became the first player this season to get a hit against Steven Okert’s slider.
Jacob Stallings dropped into a tie for the lowest wins above replacement among MLB hitters in 2023, according to FanGraphs (-0.9 fWAR).
Peyton Burdick has struck out multiple times in each of his last five starts and his overall strikeout rate is up to 48.6%. Should go without saying that he’ll have to improve substantially in that department to retain an active roster spot once Jazz Chisholm Jr., Avisaíl García or Jesús Sánchez come off the injured list.
Elsewhere around the majors, the sky isn’t falling for the Mets after all. They’ve won five in a row to leapfrog the Marlins in the standings. Framber Valdez threw a shutout against the Athletics and took the MLB lead with 66 innings pitched this season.
Looking back at series predictions made by Fish Stripes staffers and Super Subscribers, only six people had the Giants taking two out of three against the Marlins. Even in a losing effort, Jorge Soler earned Series MVP honors again. Become a Super Subscriber on Twitter or YouTube so you can make series predictions along with us!
We’ve got a new edition of Fish Stripes LIVE for you on YouTube/Twitter/Twitch beginning at 7:30 p.m. ET. Special guest: Duke Johnson! With chiropractic care and functional health, La Pop takes a preventative approach that optimizes wellness and quality of life for all ages. Find out more here!

Entering this new week, the Marlins have 26.3% odds of making the postseason, per FanGraphs. They have a 57.7% chance to win their series opener against the Rockies.

Kevin Barral spoke to infield prospect Jordan McCants about the importance of slowing the game down.
Luis Arraez’s Marlins coaches and teammates raved to Jordan McPherson of the Miami Herald about what makes him MLB’s preeminent hit-for-average player.
Ryan Schlesinger wrote about the great early returns from the trade that brought JT Chargois and Xavier Edwards to the Marlins.
The teal throwbacks rank as the Marlins’ best current uniform, according to Ethan Budowsky of Just Baseball. “This is not to be debated.”
Good luck to former Marlins relievers Steve Cishek (2010-2015) and Brandon Kintzler (2020) on launching the “Call to the Pen” podcast. Cishek officially retired earlier this year, but Kintzler hasn’t (yet).

Fish Stripes LIVE: 2023 Marlins series predictions

2023-05-21T18:31:00-04:00

Featuring Marlins regular season predictions made by our Fish Stripes staffers, guests and paid subscribers.

Here at Fish Stripes, we produce livestream panel discussions during the MLB regular season counting down to the start of each new Marlins series. Subscribe to the FS YouTube channel and turn on channel notifications to ensure that you don’t miss any of them!

The final segment of the show is always “Prediction Time.” Our 2022 predictions champion was Daniel Rodriguez. We’re tracking the 2023 results on this page.

A “Perfect Series” is worth three points. Here’s the scoring system:

Earn one point for correctly predicting which team will win the upcoming series
Earn one point for specifying the precise number of victories for each team
Earn one point for picking the “Series MVP” who accumulated the highest win probability added (WPA) during the series as calculated by FanGraphs

We encourage you to make series predictions, too. Become a Fish Stripes Super Subscriber on Twitter or YouTube to be featured on the show and in the leaderboard below.

The following people have made prognostications on Fish Stripes LIVE in 2023:

Staffers Louis Addeo-Weiss, Isaac Azout, Kevin Barral, Noah Berger, Grant Kiefer, Alex Krutchik, Daniel Rodriguez, Hector Rodriguez, Ely Sussman, John Turlington and Nick Turok
Super Subscribers Carlos Acosta, Eric Bolanos, Ron Cox, William Garcia, Parker Heyser, Loud Marlins Fan, Sean Millerick, Paolo, Bella Pickman, Gabriel Revilla, Romeo Rodriguez, Sevento, Jerar Encarnación Stan, David K. Tobin, Devin W. and Willyans
Guests Ethan Bauer, Alex Carr, Daniel De Vivo, Angel Espino, Jeremiah Geiger, Hans Herrera, Kyle Kruse, Mike Kurland, Tanner McGrath, Noemi Rodriguez, John Rodriguez, Ryan Schlesinger and Cali Urrutia

Marlins vs. Mets, March 30-April 2 (watch)
Marlins vs. Twins, April 3-5 (watch)
Marlins at Mets, April 6-9 (watch)
Marlins at Phillies, April 10-12 (watch)
Marlins vs. Diamondbacks, April 14-16 (watch)
Marlins vs. Giants, April 17-19 (watch)
Marlins at Guardians, April 21-23 (watch)
Marlins at Braves, April 24-27 (watch)
Marlins vs. Cubs, April 28-30 (watch)
Marlins vs. Braves, May 2-4 (watch)
Marlins at Cubs, May 5-7 (watch)
Marlins at Diamondbacks, May 8-10 (watch)
Marlins vs. Reds, May 12-14 (watch)
Marlins vs. Nationals, May 16-18 (watch)
Marlins at Giants, May 19-21 (watch)
Marlins at Rockies, May 22-25

Marlins vs. Giants: Start time, how to watch and game thread—May 21, 2023

2023-05-21T13:30:40-04:00

D. Ross Cameron-USA TODAY Sports

Jesús Luzardo and Alex Wood will start Sunday’s Marlins vs. Giants game at Oracle Park. Full lineups and game notes in here.

Welcome to Sunday’s Marlins (24-22, -52 RD) vs. Giants (21-24, -20 RD) game thread.

️Right after today’s Marlins game, join @KieferMedia and the staff for a new State of the Fish!

Taking your calls about another week filled with close finishes and where the team goes from here… https://t.co/jsbYYkzfa3
— Fish Stripes (@fishstripes) May 21, 2023

Marlins Game Notes

Marlins Starting Lineup

Jasen Vinlove/Miami Marlins/Getty Images

3B Jon Berti (87 wRC+ this season, bats right)
RF Jorge Soler (116, R)
DH Garrett Cooper (90, R)
LF Bryan De La Cruz (116, R)
1B Yuli Gurriel (82, R)
C Nick Fortes (44, R)
SS Garrett Hampson (79, R)
CF Peyton Burdick (80, R)
2B Xavier Edwards (73, S)

LHP Jesús Luzardo (138 ERA+ this season)

Lineup Changes from Previous Game: Burdick and Gurriel in, Luis Arraez and Joey Wendle out; Soler switches from DH to RF, Cooper switches from 1B to DH, Hampson switches from RF to SS, Edwards switches from CF to 2B

Additional Marlins Notes: The Marlins are dusting off Gurriel after he appeared in only one of their last six games...Everybody in the lineup will have the platoon advantage against the southpaw Wood. Hampson (.433 OPS in 15 PA) has the most head-to-head history with him.

Giants Starting Lineup

D. Ross Cameron-USA TODAY Sports

1B Wilmer Flores (111 wRC+ this season, bats right)
2B Thairo Estrada (131, R)
DH J.D. Davis (125, R)
LF Mitch Haniger (41, R)
RF Mike Yastrzemski (115, L)
3B Casey Schmitt (167, R)
C Patrick Bailey (86, S)
SS Brandon Crawford (51, L)
CF Bryce Johnson (19, S)

LHP Alex Wood (151 ERA+ this season)

Giants Notes: Michael Conforto is riding the bench coming off an uncharacteristic four-strikeout game, his first since 2019...Wood hasn’t surpassed 75 pitches in any game this season, so expect the San Francisco bullpen to be prominently involved today.

How to Watch/Listen/Follow

First pitch is scheduled for 4:05 p.m. ET, the latest scheduled start time for any Marlins regular season game this season. Watch on Bally Sports Florida or listen to the radio broadcast on Fox Sports 940 Miami.

Louis Addeo-Weiss will handle the game recap article.

Braxton Garrett and Marlins bullpen brilliant in shutout win

2023-05-20T18:40:23-04:00

D. Ross Cameron-USA TODAY Sports

Miami’s offense manufactured one measly run, but that proved to be just enough.

On Braxton Garrett’s very first pitch of Saturday’s game, Thairo Estrada smashed a 105 mile-per-hour line drive for a single. An inauspicious beginning, to say the least. But not only did the Miami Marlins left-hander strand Estrada on the bases, he retired 19 of the next 20 batters he faced while authoring arguably the best start of his major league career.

Garrett’s trusty slider and his new favorite toy, the cutter, were the keys to his success (6.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 8 K, 76 pitches/57 strikes). Those weapons combined to accumulate all 12 of his swinging strikes. Even when the Giants put balls in play, most of those didn’t leave the infield.

Aside from Estrada, the only batter who reached base safely against Garrett was LaMonte Wade Jr.—he drew a full-count walk in the bottom of the second.

Alas, Garrett had to settle for a no-decision. Skip Schumaker removed him with one out in the seventh in favor of a fresh arm because the game was still stuck in a scoreless tie.

Giants right-hander Logan Webb matched zeroes with Garrett (6.0 IP, 4 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 7 K) by painting the corners and generating a ton of grounders. The Marlins had their best scoring opportunity against Webb in the fourth with runners on the corners and only one out. Joey Wendle let him off the hook by grounding into a rally-killing double play.

Luis Arraez suffered the same fate in the sixth. As a team, the Marlins have grounded into an MLB-high 43 DPs.

Small ball was responsible for putting Miami on the scoreboard in the top of the eighth. Garrett Hampson reached on an error by J.D. Davis, Xavier Edwards sac-bunted him to second and Jon Berti delivered an RBI single.

JT Chargois, Tanner Scott and Dylan Floro combined for the final eight outs. A great running catch by Hampson in deep left-center helped Floro pick up his fifth save of the season.

Additional Info

This was only the second shutout pitched by the Marlins in 2023. You remember the other one: Sandy Alcantara vs. the Minnesota Twins on April 4.
All five games between the Marlins and Giants this season have been closely contested. They’ve each scored exactly 14 runs during their season series.
Garrett allowed 11 earned runs to the Atlanta Braves on May 3. In eight other appearances covering 38 ²⁄₃ innings, he has allowed 11 earned runs total (2.56 ERA).
Bryan De La Cruz extended his hitting streak to 14 games. It’s the longest active streak in the majors.
Wendle struck out twice, bumping up his strikeout rate to an uncharacteristically poor 25.0%. In 2022, he had a 13.5 K%.

Baseball Savant

Probable starters for Sunday’s series finale are quality left-handers Jesús Luzardo and Alex Wood. When Wood faced the Fish in Miami last month, he suffered a left hamstring strain and only recently returned to San Francisco’s rotation. Once again, it’s a scheduled 4:05 p.m. ET first pitch.

Marlins vs. Giants: Start time, how to watch and game thread—May 20, 2023

2023-05-20T13:15:57-04:00

Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports

Braxton Garrett and Logan Webb will start Saturday’s Marlins vs. Giants game at Oracle Park. Full lineups and game notes in here.

Welcome to Saturday’s Marlins (23-22, -53 RD) vs. Giants (21-23, -19 RD) game thread.

Marlins Game Notes

Marlins Starting Lineup

Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images

3B Jon Berti (88 wRC+ this season, bats right)
DH Jorge Soler (118, R)
2B Luis Arraez (156, L)
1B Garrett Cooper (96, R)
LF Bryan De La Cruz (117, R)
SS Joey Wendle (15, L)
C Nick Fortes (44, R)
RF Garrett Hampson (82, R)
CF Xavier Edwards (113, S)

LHP Braxton Garrett (81 ERA+ this season)

Lineup Changes from Previous Game: Berti, Edwards and Fortes in, Peyton Burdick, Jean Segura and Jacob Stallings out; Hampson switches from CF to RF

Additional Marlins Notes: The Marlins offense has quietly been decent lately, scoring at least three runs in each of their last nine games (.764 OPS over that span)...Wendle is slumping this season and it’s more than just bad luck—his weighted on-base average (.190 wOBA) and expected weight on-base average (.189 xwOBA) are virtually identical.

Giants Starting Lineup

Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports

2B Thairo Estrada (133 wRC+ this season, bats right)
DH Wilmer Flores (111, R)
RF Michael Conforto (105, L)
3B J.D. Davis (129, R)
LF Mitch Haniger (47, R)
1B LaMonte Wade Jr. (158, L)
SS Casey Schmitt (188, R)
C Patrick Bailey (N/A, S)
CF Bryce Johnson (12, S)

RHP Logan Webb (133 ERA+ this season)

Giants Notes: Webb has completed six-plus innings in all but one of his starts this season. He’s posted otherworldly home run prevention numbers at Oracle Park, allowing only 12 long balls in 244 ²⁄₃ career innings pitched there...A former top draft pick, Bailey is making his first MLB start.

How to Watch/Listen/Follow

I will handle the game recap article.