Miami Marlins end April on a high note

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The ultra-wacky month of April is finally over, and there’s been plenty of change in the MLB landscape.

After the first 3 and a half weeks of baseball, preseason predictions have been flipped upside down, there’s a new a hole in my wall, and the Marlins sit in the middle of the NL east at 10-12.

Unexpectedly awesome (and not so awesome) things happened in April, here’s the abridged version:

  • Adeiny Hechavarria hit two home runs, and won an NL player of week award while he was at it. Also, he defense finally looks like it’s coming together. Keep it up?
  • Dee Gordon is hitting .409, he was also caught stealing 6 times in 14 attempts.
  • The Marlins started off the season 3-11, then won 7 of their next 8 and sit at 10-12. Hopefully May brings more consistency.

  • Jarrod Saltalamacchia was designated for assignment, making J.T. Realmuto the everyday catcher earlier than expected.
  • Mike Redmond almost lost his job.
  • Marcell Ozuna hasn’t homered yet and is slugging just .333 on the year.
  • This happened last night:

    As poorly as the Marlins started the season, everyone is please at how things seem to be turning around. If you asked me 3 weeks ago how I would feel about a 10-12 record after a month, the answer would be much gloomier than how it feels now. The slowest of starts appears to be well behind them, as they charge forward into the month of May with a full head of steam.

    Truth be told, however, there are plenty of concerns for this team going forward. Pitching depth could end up being a problem, as Mat Latos left his start early last night with a hamstring strain. Henderson Alvarez is still on the DL, and Jose Fernandez is on his way back from Tommy John surgery. That leaves uncertainty in all three of the top rotation spots, and likely will allow an opportunity for Justin Nicolino to make a start at some point.

    Christian Yelich is also out on the disabled list, but should be returning pretty soon.

    One of the biggest keys to the rest of the season will be the play of the middle infield, as their hot starts have helped cover up some of the other issues. Regression is likely imminent for both Gordon and Hechavarria, but just how much remains to be seen.

    Either way, these Marlins have proved to be exciting at the least, and they can look forward to keeping it going against the Phillies to kick off May.

    #LetsGoFish