Three Miami Marlins Who Can Turn Their Season Around

Two days and counting. As the Miami Marlins prepare for the second half of 2018, there are plenty of players who can improve their play at the plate and in the field.

The Miami Marlins have shown signs of life of late, taking their last two series and have proven they are a pesky team, looking to prove they are not to be taken lightly. If anything, this is a team that should make things interesting over the final two months of the season.

Like Glenn Geffner wrote on his Twitter account, the team is 36-40 after a 5-17 start. 21-18 in last 39. Have won 8 of last 12 series. Consecutive series wins over division leaders to end the half.

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Yes, it’s something to get excited about. But players must continue to get better if this team is to reach mediocrity. Here are three Marlins who need to turn their season in the second half.

Lewis Brinson

Brinson had plenty of promise at the beginning of the season and has shown power at the plate with 10 home runs and 30 RBI. But a .186 average is not helping him. Also, a bruised hip has placed him on the shelf for the next few weeks.

The time off could help Brinson’s batting as well. Giving him rest and a chance to mentally relax may be beneficial. There is no doubt he will be a star for his hometown team and defensively, he is the right player in centerfield.

I don’t see Brinson as a .300 hitter this season, but it could happen as a leadoff hitter in the future. Is he finds a rhythm and gets on base more, he could approach .250 for 2018. Brinson still could be the face of the Marlins down the line.

Martin Prado

Prado has spent the better part of the last two seasons on the disabled list with a reoccurring hamstring injury. While Prado’s injury has been damaging for the Marlins, it did lead to the emergence of Brian Anderson, who started the season at third base.

When Prado returned to the line up a few weeks ago, Anderson was moved to the outfield. The veteran could be playing his final season in a Marlins uniform. Currently, Prado is batting .228 in 33 games. Considered one of the more respected teammates in the clubhouse, he is a coach in the field, which is valuable with the youngsters on the 25-man roster.

The Marlins know Anderson is the future at third base, but as long as Prado is healthy and can provide a spark in the lineup, he will remain in the outfield this season. Next season, it is almost a certainty the rookie will be at the hot corner.

Jose Urena

The veteran pitcher has a 2-9 record and a 4.39 ERA, but don’t let the record fool you. In 108 innings, he has thrown 89 strikeouts in 19 starts with a 1.224 WHIP.

Urena has looked solid in the three starts he had since his return from the disabled list. The should impingement appears to be healed.

If Urena can become the veteran presence at the back of the rotation this team needs, when it opens the second series against the Atlanta Braves, there may be a turnaround of wins and loses.

Next: Marlins Pitcher Trevor Rogers Earns First Professional Win

Urena was the team’s Opening Day starter after posting 14 wins last season. There is still hope he can be the dominant pitcher the Marlins envision for him.

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