Are the Marlins worried about Lewis Brinson’s progress?

By David Levin | Apr 23, 2019

MIAMI, FLORIDA - APRIL 13: Lewis Brinson #9 of the Miami Marlins hits a RBI triple in the second inning against the Philadelphia Phillies at Marlins Park on April 13, 2019 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /

The Miami Marlins have moved centerfielder Lewis Brinson all over the lineup while he tries to work through issues with hitting the first month of baseball.

If the Miami Marlins aren’t worried about the way Lewis Brinson has started the 2019 season, then it might be a good time to start. After a great Spring and improvement at the plate, the youngster has had issues getting on track so far in this early baseball season. It’s almost a mirror image of the team, taking steps forward one moment, only to tumble back after a bit of progress is made.

Is there a bit of urgency to make sure Brinson is the guy to play in centerfield for the foreseeable future?

Manager Don Mattingly gave Brinson time off during recently to try and rectify the situation, but the hope of him becoming a potential All-Star this season – in my eyes – if fading fast.

"“After Sunday’s 5-0 loss to the Nationals, Mattingly implied there is some urgency for Brinson to show improvement,” Joe Frisaro of MLB.com writes. “"

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"“A year ago, when Brinson was a rookie, he was given the entire season in the big leagues to work through his struggles, and he finished hitting .199 with 11 home runs and 42 RBIs in 109 games. He did miss some time due to injury. This year, the Marlins have a shorter leash on the 24-year-old center fielder. He’s off to a .179 start, and is 1-for-27 with 16 strikeouts in his last 11 games.”"

The thought was the swing Brinson displayed in Grapefruit League baseball would carry over. He has the potential to be a power-hitting leadoff hitter who could belt 25-30 home runs a season. If Brinson only played in spring ball the past two season, he would achieve All-Star status. Now, the Marlins have to wonder what needs to be done to correct the issues at the plate and to help Brinson restore his confidence to make a difference on this young team.

"“Unless things turn around soon, a Minor League stint is certainly possible. That could be soon. Among the issues Brinson is struggling with is making contact,” Frisaro added.“His strikeout rate is 32.4 percent, higher than a year ago (29.6 percent). Bottom line is Brinson has to figure out how to hit breaking pitches. He is 1-for-23 (.043) against them so far.”"

To make matters interesting is the current development in Triple-A star Monte Harrison, Miami’s No. 3 minor league prospect. Could we see the big slugger in a Marlins uniform sooner than expected? It’s possible if Brinson cannot shake this current situation.

When the Marlins made the deal that sent Christian Yelich to Milwaukee, the team believed it was getting a centerfielder who could roam the outfield for several years. There may be a belief Brinson can be a star, but the process has been slower than expected.

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