Miami Marlins: Spring Training Updates

A lot has happened over the the first 11 Spring Training games for the Miami Marlins. The Marlins have posted a 6-4-1 record thus far, defeating the Tampa Bay Rays earlier today. Today I will update you on all Marlins news that has happened in the past few days.

Injury Updates:

Giancarlo Stanton:

Stanton is feeling better , but he is still sore and will be out a couple more days, according to manager Ozzie Guillen. Stanton has not played since he was hit on the left wrist by a fastball against the New York Mets on Sunday. Stanton did take part in batting practice yesterday, so that is a positive sign for the Marlins.

Stanton’s wrist injury is something Marlins fans should worry about according to Will Carroll of SI.com:

"Giancarlo Stanton, Marlins (bruised wrist)Whatever name you use for him, there’s a major problem. Stanton has a wrist problem and that’s about the worst thing a power hitter can have. Even in the best case, a sore wrist slows the bat and causes a reduction in power over the short term. Stanton took a hard pitch off his unprotected wrist, but X-rays showed no break. The worry now is getting the inflammation down and getting him comfortable. He can take all the time he needs in spring training. Once he gets back at bat, watch his swing-and-misses more than his power. The fine bat control is a better early indicator."

Great point by Will. The Marlins need Stanton and his power, otherwise Stanton’s overall plate approach is not worth a lot. Should be something interesting to watch.

Logan Morrison:

Been wondering where Logan Morrison has been all Spring? Morrison had his right knee scoped in December and made his Grapefruit League debut Tuesday. Morrison went 1-for-2 in the game. Morrison felt soreness in his knees this morning though.

“He was a little sore. I expect that to be a little sore,” Guillen said. “We’ve got to monitor him very carefully in that situation. He was fine yesterday, but today he’s a little sore in his knees.”

Guillen is unsure of when Morrison will be able to play the field. There is still plenty of time left in Spring Training, but this is not a good sign for the Marlins at all.

Greg Dobbs:

An MRI on Greg Dobbs’ left hamstring Tuesday revealed a partial tear. The Marlins backup infielder is expected to be out for a week, and possibly longer.

Dobbs first experienced the pain on March 7 against Florida International University. Dobbs has been limited to just two Grapefruit League games, going 3-for-5 with a home run and two doubles. Dobbs last played March 6 against the Detroit Tigers.

According to Guillen, he believes that Dobbs could have played, but the team just wants to hold him back for a week and let the injury heal up.

Guillen believes all his players coping with injuries will be ready for Opening Day.

Kyle Jensen:

Meanwhile, Marlins prospect Kyle Jensen was also hit by a pitch. Jensen was hit on the left elbow by a fastball Tuesday against the Atlanta Braves. So far, the X-ray’s on the young outfielder have come back negative, but the team believes that Jensen’s swelling could have impeded an X-ray’s effectiveness.

Roster Updates:

As I discussed before, Sean West is out of options. The Marlins decided to option him to Triple-A after his abysmal first start in Spring Training. Luckily for the Marlins, West cleared waivers and will begin the season in Triple A.

West made one Grapefruit League appearance. He allowed three runs on four hits, walked four, struck out one, hit a batter and threw a wild pitch over 1 2/3 innings. Nine of the thirteen batters he faced were able to reach base.

That is all for today folks. Tomorrow I will bring you guys some updates on Marlins pitchers and their numbers thus far in camp, including a lefty that is bidding for a long relief role with his impressive pitching thus far.

I will also discuss some on-going position battles. Is Austin Kearns now the favorite to be the Marlins fourth outfielder?