Fish n’ grits: Miami Marlins morning news

The Miami Marlins went to bed in the win column for the second night in a row. Here’s what you need to know about the Fish over breakfast.

Last night was one of the more convincing wins the Miami Marlins have had in some time. After dropping two-of-three, and needing a four-out save from closer A.J. Ramos the night before, this one was never in doubt.

Yesterday marked Edinson Volquez‘s return to the mound after throwing a no-hitter against the Diamondbacks. Plus, the Fish have players making strides in returning from their injuries. And a look ahead at game two versus the Pirates tonight!

With the team playing better baseball, they’ve closed within seven games of the .500 mark. They could be within four if they manage a series sweep against the Pirates.

Volquez strong in return

He didn’t throw a no-hitter, but he was still incredibly effective. After starting the season 0-7, he touted a hefty 4.82 ERA and couldn’t find the strike zone. He’d already walked 29 batters in only 46.1 innings. His average game score of 47 indicated below average performance.

The last three games he’s been as good as he’s ever been. He’s now the winner of three in a row and isn’t showing signs of slowing down. Volquez is 3-0 since May 29th, with a 0.41 ERA and an average game score of 79; exceptional.

If you ask Volquez, the reason is his bum ankle. After last night’s start, he indicated that he might bruise it up again when it heals because it’s helping him pitch.

It was less than two weeks ago that the team was pushing him around in a laundry cart because they were finally able to get him a win. Now, it appears he’s exercised whatever ghosts where plaguing him and is looking for a big year. He just might live up to that contract after all.

Making strides in recovery

The Miami Marlins currently have a long line out of the doctors office. It’s getting shorter though, and several players are currently on the mend.

Justin Nicolino figures to rejoin the Major League club soon. He bruised a finger on his pitching hand during his last start and was forced to  make an appearance on the disabled list tonight. He would have been scheduled to make his start in the rotation today, which won’t happen. But he could be available to make the start after this one.

Tom Koehler made his first rehab appearance since going on the disabled list with shoulder bursitis. Pitching for the Jupiter Hammerheads, Koehler lasted four innings and surrendered three earned runs. He pitched well aside from two mistakes, which were promptly launched over the wall to account for all his earned runs. Koehler threw 69 pitches and is expected to make a few more rehab starts.

There isn’t much news concerning Justin Bour right now, and that’s a good thing. He’s currently on the disabled list with a bone bruise on his ankle. The team expects him to be able to rejoin the club immediately following his stay on the disabled list.

A look ahead

The Marlins will take on the Pirates for the second game of the series tonight.

Vance Worley gets another start due to injuries elsewhere, and the team will need him to pitch at least five strong innings. The Pittsburgh lineup is a potent one, and Worley will need to get ahead early, then try and get them to chase. They’re a team that’s pressing right now.

The Pirates will counter with Tyler Glasnow. The right-hander has struggled mightily this season. His ERA currently sits at 6.97, and opposing batters hold a .308 batting average against him. In 11 starts this season, he has an average game score of 40. Anything below 50 is considered “bad”.

First pitch is at 7:05pm.

Next: Miami Marlins latest acquisition: William Cuevas

Things have been better for the Miami Marlins lately. They’re winning ballgames and making it difficult to force a rebuild if new management wants to go in that direction.