The Marlins snapped a two-game skid, with their first victory of the Grapefruit League schedule on Monday.
The final score of this one was 4-3, with the win coming over the defending champion Houston Astros in West Palm Beach. Miami never trailed in this game, after struggling in the first two days of the spring.
Jesus Luzardo made his first start of the spring and went two decent innings. Luzardo allowed one run on three hits in his two innings of work. The 25-year old struck out one and walked none, while coming away with a no-decision.
Devin Smeltzer picked up the win, with two great innings of relief out of Miami’s bullpen. Smeltzer is looking to land a roster spot, and this outing can only help that goal. The 27-year old struck out two, walked one and allowed no hits in his time on the mound.
Peyton Burdick cranked his first home run of the spring and is now hitting a robust .600 through two games. Burdick’s three runs batted in, improved his spring total to four in that department. Miami has plenty of outfield options, but Burdick is certainly helping his case for playing time so far.
C.J. Hinojosa is in camp as a non-roster invitee, and he put on a show in this win. Hinojosa was 3-3 with a double, while batting out of the nine-spot in Miami’s lineup. Hinojosa has bounced around minor league systems in his career, and could find himself in AAA for the Marlins to begin 2023.
Jon Berti swiped a bag in Monday’s game, to give the veteran a pair of stolen bases already in the spring. Berti could accumulate a lot of steals this season, due in part to MLB’s new rules on the base paths. Berti’s running ability could give him a lot of pinch running opportunities, when he doesn’t draw a start for the Marlins.
Miami will host the Boston Red Sox in Jupiter on Tuesday evening at 6:40 P.M. Trevor Rogers is scheduled to make the start for the Marlins.