Miami’s spring schedule began on Saturday with a 5-2 loss to the New York Mets.
The Marlins ran out a “B-team” lineup for the game, as it was on the road up in Port St. Lucie. There were still a few expected members of the roster in the lineup however, including Jon Berti. Berti swiped a bag and reached base twice via free passes. Berti figures to serve in a utility role for the Marlins in 2023, and should plenty of game action around the field.
The new pace of play rules played a role in this one right away, with pitchers being hesitant to throw over to first base. With baserunners knowing the pitch is likely headed to the plate, Berti and Jesus Sanchez were both able to steal bases early in this one. Sanchez went 1-2 at the dish with a run batted in, following a start in right field.
The biggest day on offense for the Marlins came courtesy of a non-roster invitee. Joe Rizzo who is unlikely to crack the Opening Day roster, went 2-2 with a double and an RBI. Rizzo’s hot start could result in more opportunities for him, but the 24-year old remains a long shot for the big league roster in April.
On the pitching side of things, Braxton Garrett had mixed results in his start. Garrett allowed two runs on three hits in two innings of work. Garrett struck out one, walked none and allowed a home run to slugger Pete Alonso. Garrett is in the mix for a rotation spot on the Opening Day roster, and should be on the mound for three innings next time out.
Miami also sent Chi Chi Gonzalez, JT Chargois, Anthony Maldonado, Daniel Castano and Andrew Nardi to the mound in the game. Castano’s two shutout innings with a pair of strikeouts was the best performance out of the pen for the Marlins. Meanwhile, Gonzalez struggled by allowing two runs on four hits in his 1.2 innings of work.
The Marlins will be back in action on Sunday afternoon in Jupiter, when they host the St. Louis Cardinals at Roger Dean Stadium.