The Marlins overcame a Covid-19 outbreak that saw 18 players head to the injured list and beat all preseason expectations to emerge as a playoff club in this year’s expanded format. Miami has finalized its roster for their Wild Card Series showdown against the NL Central champion Cubs — the Marlins’ first postseason appearance since way back in 2003. Here’s how the roster breaks down:
Right-Handed Pitchers
- Sandy Alcantara (Game 1 starter)
- Brad Boxberger
- Yimi Garcia
- James Hoyt
- Pablo Lopez (Game 3 starter)
- Brandon Kintzler
- Nick Neidert
- Sixto Sanchez (Game 2 starter)
- Ryne Stanek
Left-Handed Pitchers
Catchers
Infielders
Outfielders
As MLB.com’s Joe Frisaro points out (via Twitter), the Marlins are carrying a hefty seven rookies on their roster — all of whom made their Major League debut in 2020. That list includes each of Sixto Sanchez, Nick Neidert, Braxton Garrett, Trevor Rogers, Jazz Chisholm, Lewin Diaz and Monte Harrison. All seven players are considered potential long-term pieces on what has become one of the youngest clubs in the big leagues.
Miami’s roster might have looked a bit different had right-hander Jose Urena not sustained a broken forearm when he was hit by a comeback line drive last week. The 29-year-old Urena hasn’t had much success over the past couple seasons but would likely have been included as a long relief option. That role will presumably fall to former first-rounders Rogers and Garrett now, who were starters during the regular season.
Manager Don Mattingly told reporters today that the Urena injury contributed to the decision to leave veteran Nick Vincent off the roster in favor of multiple long relievers, which he described as difficult choice (Twitter link via Frisaro). The 34-year-old Vincent had a 2.18 ERA for the Marlins before being tagged for six runs in his final two regular-season appearances. Overall, he wrapped up the year with a 4.43 ERA in 22 1/3 frames, although those last couple hiccups skewed what had been a more successful season on the whole.
Garrett is a bold addition
I thought the same thing. Tarpley got lit up last outing…and with Urena getting injured I guess they want another long man. Though things are looking up right now in the bottom of the 7th.
How so? I mean he should a mid-rotation starter for the fish by next year.. Having him as long relief and even against tough LHB’s is only going to be a plus.
Btw Fish up 1-0 in the series.
Well to me it’s bold since Castano had a decent season and looked good lately (but rested since he threw so much the final game?) And Vincent had done very well in leverage situations all season (aside from what the article says about his last outings). I wanted to see Edward Cabrera throw some heat if they were going to go with a rookie.
Also he was never mentioned in any article or any interview as a possibility. The Urena injury must have changed it all.
Okay, I notice now that Castano is not on this roster. I guess what you point out will be redone if we make the Division Series.
Go Marlins!
A few of these kids are bold additions, but this year isn’t so much about winning it all. It would be nice if we did go on a miraculous run and win it all, but the realistic goal is to get our young players some playoff experience.
Today’s win was huge in not just putting ourselves in position to win the series, but it guarantees that all three of Alcantara, Sanchez and Lopez get to start playoff games. Every game we play gives us a chance to give our young players playoff experience.
BTW…if we do win it all this year, considering the odds of that happening, one would have to take a look at why the Marlins would be able to win it all in every postseason they play in. Probably hear theories about climate, etc. if that happened.
Go Marlins!
FYI: Jose Fernandez would be 28 years young right now. Sure do miss him.