Marlins Brinson Homers, Helps Jumbo Shrimp to 9-2 Win

Miami Marlins centerfielder Lewis Brinson is off to a solid start in his rehab assignment with the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp. The Major Leaguer hit a first-pitch home run to help the organization’s Double-A affiliate beat the Pensacola Blue Wahoos 9-2.

Lewis Brinson, who joined the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp on Tuesday on a rehab assignment with the Miami Marlins, continued to show he still has power in his swing. The centerpiece in the trade that sent Christian Yelich to Milwaukee this offseason, took the first pitch of the night and sent it into the bleachers at Blue Wahoos Stadium.

"Per Roger Hoover of the Jumbo Shrimp public relations department, “It marked the first time that the Jumbo Shrimp have started a game with a leadoff home run on the road as Brinson played in the second game of his major league rehab assignment.”"

Brinson wasn’t the only player who set balls over the wall on Wednesday night. Joe Dunand, the team’s No. 22 prospect according to MLB.com, hit two homers as well.

Brinson has been out of the lineup since July 4 when the team placed him on the disabled list with a hip injury that was once thought to be only a minor situation. Now, the Marlins hope to get him back for the final few weeks of the season where he can get in as many at-bats as possible. His power could help the team that recently dealt first baseman Justin Bour to Philadelphia.

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The Marlins No. 3 prospect, pitcher Nick Neidert got his 11th win of the season, as reported by  Kevin Kraczkowski of Marlin Maniac earlier today.

Miami manager Don Mattingly will have a few choices to make when Brinson returns. Will he remain in centerfield or will he move over to one of the corners? The team purchased the contract of Triple-A prospect Austin Dean on Wednesday, who figures to play in right field while Brian Anderson moves back to third base.

When Brinson was placed on the disabled list, he had 10 home runs and 30 RBI but he was hitting a paltry .186 for the season.

Dunand had four hits which were a career high and four RBI on the night matched his high water mark as a professional.

There is no word yet how long Brinson will remain with the Jumbo Shrimp who are currently still on the road. The team does not return back to Jacksonville until Sunday, Aug. 19.

Brinson is a native of South Florida and played high school baseball in Ft. Lauderdale before being the Texas Rangers’ first-round draft pick (29th overall) in 2012.