Miami Marlins Lows and Highs: Braves and Cubs

The Miami Marlins had a rough week. They only won one of their seven games against the Chicago Cubs and Atlanta Braves.

While the results of their contest are expected, there were some outstanding and lackluster performances over the past week that need to be recognized by Miami Marlins fans for their success or failure.

Hitters in need of recognition

Miguel Rojas led the Marlins in batting average over the past week. Totaling nine hits in 25 at-bats led to his .360 average. Rojas was also able to drive in four runs while scoring twice. His performance over the past seven games is in need of recognition.

Derek Dietrich was not far behind Rojas, putting up an average of .316 over six games. Like Rojas, Dietrich drove in four runs and scored twice. Displaying his ability to drive the ball into the gap, Dietrich hit three doubles in six games, the second-most on the team during that span.

Brian Anderson also contributed over the past week. Anderson’s four doubles accounted for more than half of his hit total in seven games (Anderson tallied seven hits). Anderson scored five times over the past week which ties him for the Marlins lead in that category over the past week.

Hitters who need to step up

Starlin Castro did not have a good week. Carrying an average of only .179, this is not up to the standard that is expected of him. Castro’s average, on-base percentage and slugging percentage are all well below his season average. Slashing .289/.333/.375 over the course of the season compared to .179/.179/.286 over the past week. Should we trade Castro? What do you think?

Martin Prado also struggled mightily last week, only managing three hits in 23 at-bats. Unlike Castro, this is more the norm for Prado this season. This is just more of the same for Prado and eventually should lead to less playing time for the 14-year veteran.

Lewis Brinson‘s struggles at the plate continue as he went 5-24 with six strikeouts. While Brinson posted a better average this past week compared to his season total (.208 to .172), it is still not good.

Noteworthy pitching performances

Dan Straily highlights the Marlins starters over the past week. This is due to the fact that Straily was the only starter to win his game. Additionally holding the Braves to a .158 average and allowing two runs over five innings certainly helps.

Out of the bullpen Kyle Barraclough was spectacular. Not allowing a hit in three innings pitched. The only blemish on his record is the one run allowed which came way of walk, followed by a wild pitch, a groundout and a fielder’s choice which allowed Kris Bryant to score.

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Tayron Guerrero was also fantastic out of the bullpen last week. Pitching three innings and only allowing one hit. The .111 average allowed by Guerrero is exactly half of what he has allowed on the season.

Finally Nick Wittgren rounds of the bullpen arms doing their job over the past seven contests. Striking out two in 2 1/3 innings and holding opposing batters to an average of just .125. This is better than his season average of .175. It’s encouraging to see out of any pitcher on the Marlins roster.

Pitchers who need to step up

Jarlin Garcia started two games, allowing 11 runs in 10 innings and was rocked in both appearances. Seven runs were courtesy of the Cubs and the final four came from the Braves. Six runs came via the long ball, this is a trend that needs to stop sooner rather than later. This is disappointing to see from a pitcher who started the season extremely well. Garcia needs to bounce back in his next start.

Must Read: What Miami is Playing for in 2018

Tyler Cloyd was also roughed up in two appearances out of the bullpen. Allowing 10 runs in just four innings. Cloyd’s performance was not up to the level of the other pitchers in the Marlins bullpen over the past week.

Wei-Yin Chen also faltered in his lone start of the week. Allowing nine runs on seven hits in just three innings. Chen allowed three home runs and only struck out one batter in his short lackluster start for Miami.

The final pitcher who needs to improve is Drew Steckenrider. Steckenrider was lit up like a pinball machine and it may have ended any discussion of him being the best pitcher in the Marlins bullpen. Pitching only 1.1 innings, Steckenrider walked five, gave up five hits which led to eight runs scoring. Two of the five hits allowed were home runs, this is far from optimal. It may be best for the Marlins to give Steckenrider an extended break and lean on arms such as Barraclough and Wittgren until he is ready to pitch at a high level again.

"Editor’s Note: It’s a long season, I expect Steckenrider to bounce back quickly."

Marlins players who do not fit in either category

Sometimes players do not fit in the high or low category. A perfect example is Justin Bour. While Bour’s average is only .200 in the last seven games it is worth noting that he walked 10 times during that span. This is why Bour’s on-base percentage is .520 over the past week. Also, Bour homered twice, drove in six runs and scored three times. The power output and run production is encouraging but it would still be better if Bour could get more hits to raise his batting average.

Jose Urena also falls into this category. Over two games Urena pitched 11.1 innings, allowing 11 hits, six runs and walking two while striking out 11. Miami could have won either game Urena started (they lost both), but they were unable to come up with enough runs to come out victorious.

Next: Who Would Trade for Starlin Castro?

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