Apr 29, 2013; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Marlins starting pitcher Tom Koehler (34) throws a pitch in the seventh inning against the New York Mets at Marlins Park. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

The Arizona Diamondbacks applied a major drubbing on the Miami Marlins Friday night. The D-Backs were able to jump on Kevin Slowey in the first inning with back-to-back home runs to give them a 3-0 lead. They never looked back. Slowey lasted just three innings and surrendered six earned runs.

The Marlins are hoping for better results today as Tom Koehler takes the mound against Brandon McCarthy. To find more information on both pitchers, check out the scouting report on our series preview.

Jon Rauch was designated for assignment after last night’s game and Duane Below was called up to take his spot. The Marlins will use Below in the long relief role with Wade LeBlanc needing rest after pitching four long innings yesterday.

Pitching Matchup:

Marlins Lineup

Juan Pierre is 1-for-3 and Placido Polanco is 1-for-4 in their careers off of McCarthy. Brandon will be making his first career start against the Fish.

Diamondbacks Lineup

Martin Prado is the only Diamondback hitter with any at bats against Koehler. Prado is 1-for-2 off of Koehler, with both those at bats coming as an Atlanta Brave.

Bold Prediction: This will be the game the Marlins find a way to steal. Koehler pitched six two-run innings for the Marlins and Marcell Ozuna muscles his second home run of the season in a Marlins victory. Marlins win 4-2.

May 16, 2013; San Diego, CA, USA; Washington Nationals left fielder Bryce Harper (34) walks to the plate for his at bat during the first inning against the San Diego Padres at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports

The National League East has always been one of the more competitive division in all of baseball. The Atlanta Braves and Philadelphia Phillies have been perennial contenders over the past few seasons. The Washington Nationals are the new kids on the block with a roster heavy in talent. Finally, the New York Mets and Miami Marlins flip-flop between last place from season-to-season, though the Marlins have held that distinction for the past year and a half.

Let’s take a moment today to get caught up with all of the latest news from our NL East foes:

Atlanta Braves

Can BJ Upton Turn Things Around? | Tomahawk Take

I’ve been as critical as anyone of BJ Upton, and critical of the Braves organization for going after him at such a high price tag, when his career numbers don’t suggest to me that he was worth what he’s being paid.  We all know the downside, and the negatives.  BJ has a career BA of just .251, and the last time that he hit for that average was 2008 when he hit for a .273 average.

Braves’ Venters Undergoes 2nd Tommy John Surgery | CBS Atlanta

Atlanta Braves reliever Jonny Venters has undergone the second major elbow operation of his career and will miss the rest of the season.

Jason Heyward goes 2-for-4 in return | ESPN

Braves right fielder Jason Heyward was activated from the disabled list and started against the Dodgers on Friday night, giving manager Fredi Gonzalez his full projected lineup for the first time this season.

Washington Nationals

Bryce Harper sustained an injury crashing into the wall in Dodger Stadium on Monday evening. Here is a video of the injury. (skip to the 21 second mark to see the injury)

Bryce Harper Avoids Concussion, DL After Scary Collision With Wall | District on Deck

During yesterday’s 6-2 win in LA, Bryce Harper crashed into the right field wall chasing after what would become a triple by A.J. Ellis. He was briefly motionless on the ground, but stood up under his own power shortly thereafter. However, he was bloody, especially around his neck, when he stood up. He left the game, replaced by Roger Bernadina. Now, the Nationals’ official Twitter reports that Harper has received eleven stitches..

Inside The Numbers: Bryce Harper’s (Near) Perfect Season | All Over the Hill

Bryce Harper lead the Washington Nationals to a commanding 8-1 victory over the Cincinnati Reds tonight, smashing a towering 434-foot homerun en route to a 2 for 3 night with a walk. Just a typical night for the slugger. After setting the bar high with two multi-homer games and an astounding 11 multi-hit performances in just twice that number of games, Harper has made it difficult for himself to excite fans with stellar nights anymore; they just expect it. But in a season where the Nats, predicted by many to win the World Series, have already been labeled choke-artists after an 11-11 start, what Harper is truly doing is being overlooked.

Philadelphia Phillies

Top 5 Worst Philadelphia Phillies Free-Agent Signings | Yahoo!

The Philadelphia Phillies have had mixed results with free agency since it all started in 1976. First baseman Richie Hebner was their first significant signing in December of that year. Pete Rose was their best in December 1978.

Jimmy Rollins Acknowledges Cruel, Finite Nature Of Time | That Balls Outta Here

Todd Zolecki really dug into Jimmy Rollins’ memories and nostalgia today, and offered a dystopian view of the future.

Phillies Team Doctor Chooses Words On Roy Halladay Very, Very Carefully | That Balls Outta Here

Roy Halladay’s surgery is over, and the incredibly intense recovery process is underway.

That leaves things up to Phillies head trainer Dr. Michael Ciccotti, who has the unenviable task of relaying information to a ravenous public over the course of the next few weeks.

New York Mets

The Importance Of Jonathon Niese And Shaun Marcum | Rising Apple

Allow me to preface this with the following: regardless of how well both Jonathon Niese and Shaun Marcum perform for the remainder of the season, I don’t expect the Mets to completely erase the damage they’ve done to their record and have a miraculous run.  It’s not out of the realm of possibility, but it appears this team simply has too many holes to seriously compete.

It’s Time For Ike Davis To Go To Vegas | Rising Apple

Ike Davis came into tonight’s game with a .169 batting average.  Including tonight’s game he has struck out in all but three games in May.  It has gotten to the point where I am happy to see him make contact, even if it is a soft groundout to the second baseman, as it often is.  Davis went through a similar slump to start last season and worked out of it in the Major Leagues.  This year the Mets cannot wait for that to happen.

Ike Davis demotion talk intensifying | ESPN

Although Ike Davis snapped an 0-for-24 skid Friday in a 3-2 win against the Chicago Cubs, the internal discussion about potentially demoting the first baseman has only intensified, ESPNNewYork.com has learned.

Feb 22, 2013; Jupiter, FL, USA; Miami Marlins player Jake Marisnick (77) poses for a picture during photo day at Roger Dean Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

Triple-A:

New Orleans Zephyrs (18-21) @ Fresno Grizzlies (23-19)

Loss 6-1

Box Score

Bryan Petersen, RF: 1-for-3, RBI, BB

Kyle Skipworth, C: 1-for-4, 2 SO

Doug Mathis, SP: 5.0 IP, 6 H, 4 ER, 3 BB, 2 SO

Dan Jennings, RP: 1.0 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 BB

Skipworth has struggled in 2013 with his batting and one has to wonder if the Marlins calling him up to the majors multiple times and not providing any playing time has had any lingering effect on him. Skip owns a .167/.250/.167 slash line with 6 strikeouts in 18 at bats.

Double-A:

Jacksonville Suns (23-15) @ Mississippi Braves (25-16)

Win 2-1

Box Score

Jake Marisnick, RF: 0-for-4, 3 SO

Noah Perio, 2B: 1-for-3, 2 RBI

Jay Jackson, SP: 7.0 IP, 3 H, 1 ER, 2 BB, 8 SO

Edgar Olmos, RP: 0.1 IP, SV (1)

Jake Marisnick had a rough game at the plate, going hitless and striking out three times. His line on the season now sits at .224/.277/.362. Marisnick is currently in midst of a spell where he is 3 for his last 20. He is still recovering from his broken hand he sustained in spring training and should improve as the season carries on.

Jay Jackson continues to have a strong season, although he is 26-years old and a little old for the level. Jackson owns a 2.45 ERA in 25 2/3 innings with 23 strikeouts and just 6 walks.

High Class A:

Jupiter Hammerheads (21-19) vs. Palm Beach Cardinals (17-23)

Win 2-1

Box Score

Brent Keys, LF: 2-for-4, BB, R

Isaac Galloway, CF: 0-for-4, 3 SO

Jared Rogers, SP: 5.0 IP, 4 H, 1 ER, 2 BB, 2 SO

Jake Esch, RP: 2.0 IP, 0 H, 1 BB, 3 SO

Brent Keys continues hitting in 2013, with two more hits on Friday night, Keys brought his season slash line to .364/.444/.436.  Keys also picked up his fourth stolen base of the season. Keys is on pace to surpass his impressive 2012 numbers and become a bigger part of the Marlins future as a prospect.

Low Class A:

Greensboro Grasshoppers (16-24) vs. Lakewood BlueClaws (17-23)

Loss 6-3

Box Score

Anthony Gomez, SS: 3-for-5, RBI

Matt Juengel, DH: 1-for-3, 2B, RBI, 2 BB

Austin Brice, SP: 4.0 IP, 4 H, 3 ER, 3 BB, 6 SO

Helpi Reyes, RP: 2.0 IP, 1 H, 2 BB

Shortstop Anthony Gomez is off to a hot start in 2013, owning a .291/.331/.369 slash line. In his previous 10 games, Gomez has hit .417/.436/.528 slash line with one of the two home runs he has hit this season. Gomez was the Marlins sixth round pick in 2012 out of Vanderbilt.

Apr 12, 2013; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Marlins hitting coach Tino Martinez (10) looks on from the dugout in a game against the Philadelphia Phillies at Marlins Park. Mandatory Credit: Robert Mayer-USA TODAY Sports

Going into their game Friday night against the Arizona Diamondbacks, the Miami Marlins offense was averaging just a measly 2.8 runs a game. Hitting coach Tino Martinez had not an easy going in his first job as a coach in Major League baseball, but he is not to blame for the Marlins issues.

The team’s issues start and end with the personal and manager Mike Redmond is starting to lose his patience with the teams offensive woes.

“We’ve got some guys in there that in the past they’ve been able to get it done. Right now they’re not,” manager Mike Redmond said in an interview with the Sun-Sentinel. “I’m trying to be patient, I’ve been patient. But at the end of the day somebody’s got to step up and get a hit with guys in scoring position.”

The problem with what Redmond is saying is that the Marlins are depending on aging players that are no longer majorly effective in Placido Polanco and Juan Pierre. Greg Dobbs has been a huge prescience for the Marlins off the bench in the past, but thrust into an everyday role, he has struggled immensely.

May 6, 2013; San Diego, CA, USA; Miami Marlins starting pitcher Wade LeBlanc (23) walks back to the mound after giving up two runs during the fourth inning against the San Diego Padres at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports

Miami Marlins’ Wade LeBlanc Needs to Be Released | Yahoo!

Wade LeBlanc is the one player on the Miami Marlins that should be released immediately.

He is almost 29 years old, so he is no longer a young prospect; his numbers are terrible; and he has shown no sign of improvement throughout his career. In fact, he seems to be getting worse.

Marlins’ Marcell Ozuna is still a free swinger | Fishstripes

Miami Marlins rookie outfielder Marcell Ozuna has made waves with his strong early play on both sides of the ball, but he has also retained his reputation as a free swinger at the plate.

Marlins Park can be triples haven for Hechavarria | Sun-Sentinel

Marlins Park last season was among the majors’ top 10 for triples. The numbers haven’t been quite as favorable so far this season, but that hasn’t been on account of Adeiny Hechavarria.

Thursday against the Reds, Hechavarria ignited a ninth-inning rally with his major league-leading fifth triple, his third at Marlins Park and second in three games. Both were to right-center.

Stanton progressing in running program | Marlins.com

Pinpointing a target date for Giancarlo Stanton‘s return remains up in the air.

The Marlins’ slugger is hopeful to return before the All-Star break, but right now, everything is a guess.

Here at Marlin Maniac:

Down On The Farm Miami Marlins Daily Report: May 16th

Hand continues to be an interesting player in the Marlins organization. While he has the stuff to strike hitters out, his lack of control often leads to a high amount of walks and hits for the opponents. Hand has not been consistent in the minors in getting hitters out and has had the same issues in his limited work in the majors. He at this point is a fringe prospect that will be organizational depth at best.

Arizona Diamondbacks @ Miami Marlins Series Preview: Heath Bell Is The Closer, Run For Your Lives

To preview the series between the second place Diamondbacks and the last place Marlins, I had an email chat with Tom Lynch, a staff writer on Venom Strikes, the Fansided D-Backs site. Venom Strikes has to be one of the cooler names out there for any sports site and they also do a great job of covering everything Diamondbacks-related.

Marlin Maniac Contest: You Be The Miami Marlins General Manager

The Miami Marlins 2013 season has been an epic disaster. Due to the struggles the team has gone through, fans are growing frustrated and don’t want to wait for the big prospects in the minor leagues to get ready so they can start winning. We want to win now!

Miami Marlins Fail To Avoid Sweep, Lose 5-3 In Extra Innings

Last night the Miami Marlins took on the Cincinnati Reds in the third game of the three game set. Sadly, the Marlins were just looking to get back on track as they came into the game losing seven out of their last eight games. With the team going through a slump, the Marlins turned to the rookie sensation Jose Fernandez. Throughout the season Fernandez has arguably been one of the most exciting and most efficient players on this depleted Marlins roster. Unfortunately, Fernandez’s strong outing wasn’t enough to put the Marlins back in the win column, as they went onto lose the game in extra innings 5-3.

Series Preview: Arizona Diamondbacks @ Miami Marlins May 17-19, Games 42-44

The Miami Marlins have now lost five straight games and eight of their last ten after being swept by the Cincinnati Reds. The Marlins 11-30 mark is tied with the Houston Astros as the worst in all of baseball. This should come as a surprise to no one.

Arizona Diamondbacks @ Miami Marlins Game Preview: Friday, May 17th 7:10 PM EST (Game 42)

Losers of eight of their previous ten games, the Miami Marlins will turn to their top pitcher of 2013 in Kevin Slowey to look to end their losing streak. The Arizona Diamondbacks come into this game as winners of seven of their last ten games and will look to leave the Marlins offense freezing, as the temperatures in Miami continue to rise.

Logan Morrison Is Expected To Start Rehab Assignment Monday With Jupiter

Some fantastic news from manager Mike Redmond on injured first baseman Logan Morrison just now, this according to Joe Capozzi of the Palm Beach Post on Twitter:

Miami Marlins Get Major Drubbing From Arizona Diamondbacks

drubbing (n)
1. a beating, as with a stick, cudgel, etc.
2. a comprehensive or heavy defeat

Miami Marlins Roster Moves: Jon Rauch Designated For Assignment; Duane Below Receives Call Up

After another loss for the Miami Marlins, the team made another roster move, keeping the charter going back-and-forward from Miami to New Orleans busy. The team designated reliever Jon Rauch for assignment and called up left hander Duane Below.

May 17, 2013; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Marlins relief pitcher Jon Rauch (60) throws during the eighth inning against thenArizona Diamondbacks at Marlins Park. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

After another loss for the Miami Marlins, the team made another roster move, keeping the charter going back-and-forward from Miami to New Orleans busy. The team designated reliever Jon Rauch for assignment and called up left hander Duane Below.

Rauch designated for assignment. LHP Duane Below on his way from NOLA. #marlins

— Juan C. Rodriguez (@JCRMarlinsbeat) May 18, 2013

The move was made to get another long relief option in the majors for the Fish after Wade LeBlanc had to go four innings for the Marlins in a night starter Kevin Slowey only pitched three innings.

Duane Below owns a 2.68 ERA in 47 innings between the Detroit Tigers and Miami Marlins Triple-A affiliates. The Marlins claimed Below off of waivers near the end of April and stashed him away as a potential fit in either the Marlins rotation or bullpen should a spot open up.

I mentioned Below as an option to receive a call-up to the Marlins in case the team decided to move Alex Sanabia out of the rotation. While Below will be used out of the bullpen as a long relief option right away, he could become an option for the Marlins rotation if the injured players are out any longer and Sanabia’s struggles continue.

Rauch signed a one-year, $1MM deal with the Marlins in February, but struggled through the first two months of the season. Rauch held a 7.56 ERA in 16 2/3 innings for the Fish this season, making  15 appearances. Although Rauch’s ERA was extremely high, his FIP was a respectable 3.41, indicating he struggled with some bad luck with his .393 BABIP.

Rauch owns a career 3.88 ERA with 7.2 K/9 and 2.7 BB/9 over 594 big league innings. I would be shocked if Rauch clears waivers, as there is likely to be some team that wants to take a ticket on a seasoned veteran bullpen arm.

With Rauch being designated for assignment, the Marlins 40-man roster now sits at 39. The Marlins likely won’t fill this empty spot until one of their many players on the 60-day disabled list return.