Miami Marlins: The Future is Now

The Miami Marlins have been without their starting shortstop for this entire, eventful, week. How did they fair?

Earlier in the week, news broke that Miami Marlins starting short stop, Adeiny Hechavarria, was going to miss time due to a strained oblique. Hechavarria was subsequently put on the DL.

With that move, the Marlins called up their number 12 prospect according to MLB Pipeline, J.T. Riddle. How did that move payoff? Only with the most improbable first career hit and one of the most memorable first career home runs.

In case you missed it, we will paint the picture for you. David Phelps came on to close out the game in the top of the ninth inning.

After sacrificing two runs and blowing the save, the Fish came up in the bottom of the ninth. Reminiscent to literally every game played in this series, it came down to the last moment for the Fish.

More from Marlin Maniac

• Miami Marlins are pursuing Michael Conforto
• Miami Marlins need to spend to win
• Miami Marlins One-Year Wonder 1B
• Miami Marlins can’t afford to botch this trade
• Miami Marlins news: the New York Mets are a risky threat

After Miguel Rojas got on base, yet again, the Fish were down to two out with the winning run on base. Up steps the rookie, Riddle. With two outs, Riddle decides it is time to make his place in the Marlins organization. On an 0-1 count Riddle launched his first career home run to right field to clinch the victory in walk-off fashion.

Not only did Riddle’s first career long ball seal the victory, but, with the win the Marlins moved into a first place tie with the Nationals in the NL East. Not a bad first week for Riddle.

Is it time to move on?

Now, we don’t want to jump on the Riddle train quite yet. But, there are a lot of exciting things about this guy. He is sound defensively and fairly patient at the plate. This was evidenced by his first Major League at bat.

This, in addition to Rojas’ performance, brings the question everyone is wondering. Is it time to move on from Hechavarria. Hech has been a solid defender over the years, but the bat just hasn’t proven itself.

With a career line of .254/.291/.335, Hechavarria has been more of a defensive asset than anything else. However, the 28-year old’s $4.3 million salary is a little steep when there are cheaper, equally productive, options available within the organization.

The Marlins did discuss Hechavarria with other teams in the offseason, so the organization has at least considered moving him.

While the bat definitely hurts his value, Hechavarria still has one more year of club control through arbitration. That alone may be enough for a team in need of defensive help.

While the return for Hechavarria probably wouldn’t be a starting, MLB ready player, he could be worth a prospect or two to an organization. This would definitely help with the rebuilding of the Marlins shredded farm system.

I believe that if the Marlins are either struggling by the All-Star break or Riddle and Rojas have shown enough with the bat and glove, there is the possibility that the fish may look to move Hechavarria.

Next: Better Days To Come For Miami Marlins Dan Straily

Riddle may be just the player the Fish need up the middle to pair with Dee Gordon. Only time will tell, but the kid has promise.