MLB Highlights an Interesting Position Battle for the Miami Marlins
With a handful of Spring Training games under their belt, a clearer picture has started to emerge as to what the Miami Marlins roster is going to look like come Opening Day. Within that roster, though, are some interesting position battles.
Recently, MLB.com highlighted an interesting position battle from each team to watch for the rest of spring training. For the Marlins, the position battle that they recognized was the battle to be the fifth starter in the rotation.
"Barring any injuries, left-handers Jesús Luzardo and A.J. Puk as well as right-hander Eury Pérez are on track to make the Opening Day rotation, while Edward Cabrera (right shoulder tightness) has downplayed the severity of the injury that popped up before his third Grapefruit League start. With Braxton Garrett (general left shoulder soreness) behind in his throwing program, that leaves Trevor Rogers and Ryan Weathers vying for the final spot. Rogers looked sharp in his first spring outing after being eased back in following an injury-affected 2023, while Weathers has a 0.80 WHIP in four appearances."
The Marlins have the potential to have one of the best pitching staffs in the country, emphasis on potential. Pérez should have more freedom this year and could embrace the ace role at some point. Luzardo and Puk are set in the rotation as well. Edward Cabrera should take that fourth role. There is a question mark for the fifth spot with maybe their best pitcher, Sandy Alcantára, still injured and out for the 2024 MLB season.
Rogers is probably the favorite to land in the rotation, with the Marlins hoping he can get back to his exciting 2022 form. Weathers, a younger pitcher, could also sneak into some starts as he has looked solid in spring training so far.
