Miami Marlins: Grading the Fish in Atlanta

Brad Ziegler +.056

Brad Ziegler allows at least one hard hit ball in each of his appearances, it seems. In the series opener, he came into the ninth to nail down a 2-0 Miami Marlins win. He got Freddie Freeman on a groundout (+.048) to start things out, then gave Nick Markakis a single to center field (-.062). Tyler Flowers ended the drama by grounding into a double play to end the game (+.108).

Ziegler wasn’t called on in Miami’s seven-run loss on Saturday, but he played on Sunday! Yes he did! But don’t blame him alone for Miami’s meltdown.

Ziegler came in to protect a five-run lead in the ninth inning, and started things out well by getting Dansby Swanson out swinging (+.005). He then walked Ryan Flaherty (-.005), allowed Ozzie Albies to single (-.012), and let Ronald Acuna bring one home on a sacrifice fly (-.015). Freddie Freeman then singled (-.010) and Ziegler didn’t cover first, leading to an error and another run scored. Markakis added an RBI-single (-.029) before Ziegler was removed.

To recap, our closer has a 7.20 ERA, over a quarter of the way through the season. Opposing batters are hitting an all-star caliber .321 against him, and he has a 1.50 WHIP. The ERA and OPP BA are the worst marks on Miami’s active roster. Yeah. That’s the guy you want protecting the lead.

Grade: D