.jpg)
1 hour ago
2
First, it was Miami Marlins outfielder Heriberto Hernandez, pinch-hitting for slumping Owen Caissie, delivering a two-run home run Monday night at Nationals Park.
Kyle Stowers followed with his own two-run shot in the ninth.
The outfielders combined for five RBI during the 7-3 victory over the Washington Nationals, snapping a five-game losing streak.
Outfielders led the Marlins to a win in June?
That's a change.
After the changes they made last offseason, should the front office begin asking for a mulligan as the Marlins' outfield play remains one of the franchise's biggest problems?
Marlins seek outfield offensive production
Monday's win lifted the Marlins (27-34) out of last place in the NL East, one-half game over the New York Mets.
To remain ahead of their NL East rival, the Marlins will need to re-do their outfield production through their opening 60-plus outings.
Trading Edward Cabrera to the Chicago Cubs for a package, including Caissie, last January was aimed at solidifying the outfield. It hasn't worked out as the front office envisioned.
In 38 games since returning from injury, Stowers batted .221 with four homers and 46 strikeouts in 145 at-bats.
Jakob Marsee, the starting center fielder, was hitting .194, despite ranking third on the team with 211 at-bats.
Caissie was batting .234 through 52 games, while Hernandez contributed a .208 batting average in 36 appearances.
The Marlins' reserve outfielders and recent acquisitions haven't picked up the slack.
Esteury Ruiz posted a .178 batting average through 27 games. Griffin Conine collected six hits, including two homers, in his first 22 at-bats and Austin Slater batted .174 with no homers in his first 12 outings.
The Marlins made moves to improve their outfield depth this season.
Should they call for a mulligan?
English (US)