Miami Marlins Spring Training Update: The Infield (Part Four)

The Miami Marlins still have 11 infielders in camp trying to make six roster spots.

This Spring Training, Marlin Maniac is taking a deep look inside all parts of the possible Miami Marlins Opening Day roster. On Mondays, we dig into the rotation. Tuesdays we check out the outfield. Wednesdays we take a dive into the bullpen. On Thursdays we check in with the catching corps, and that leaves the infield for Fridays.

Since sending second baseman of the future Isan Diaz down to the triple-A New Orleans Baby Cakes, in the Pacific Coast League, the Miami Marlins have 11 infielders remaining in camp. Six members of the active roster have the inside track, but any of the five non-roster invitees could win a spot with a strong spring.

The statistics noted in the following paragraphs reflect the last seven days of games, from March 8th through 14th (all wins, by the way). Chances at making the Opening Day roster are estimated entirely by me, and do not reflect the views of FanSided.

Active Roster

Brian Anderson three-for-10, one home run, two walks, one run, two RBI, three strikeouts

Anderson entered Spring Training locked in for the starting job at third base, and has only strengthened his position. He’s gone 10-for-30 this spring with two homers and seven RBI, and has even expanded his bag-of-tricks, stealing a base. Opening Day Roster Chance: 100 percent

Starlin Castro three-for-12, five strikeouts

Would you believe that Starlin Castro has played in over a full regular season’s worth of Spring Training games over his career? He’s appeared 165 times over the past 11 years with the Chicago Cubs, the New York Yankees, and the Miami Marlins. He’s dead locked in at second base until further notice. Opening Day Roster Chance: 100 percent

Martin Prado two-for-seven, one walk

Off to a bit of a slow start, Prado was 0-for-14 before collecting a pair of hits in yesterday’s 12-6 victory against the Houston Astros. With injuries a lingering issue for him, his chances at making the team are only tempered by his own physical limitations. Opening Day Roster Chance: 50 percent

JT Riddle five-for-13, one home run, two runs, one RBI, two strikeouts

Riddle was only one-for-21 prior to the winning streak. Since then, he’s got his bat fired up to near-regular season production. He’s pretty close to a lock. Opening Day Roster Chance: 80 percent

Miguel Rojas five-for-nine, one run, two RBI

Rojas is on fire this spring, and has gone 12-for-26. Hot on the heels of his best offensive season, there’s no way he doesn’t start 2019 with the parent club. Opening Day Roster Chance: 100 percent

Neil Walker five-for-10, two home runs, one walk, two runs, four RBI, one strikeout

Like Riddle, Walker also got off to a slow start, going one-for-15 before this past week. Walker is not here to spend time in the minors. Opening Day Roster Chance: 100 percent

Non-Roster Invitees

Pedro Alvarez three-for-eight, two doubles, two walks, three runs, one strikeout

Three-for-17 with seven whiffs was Alvarez’ 2019 track record prior to the current streak. He’s with the Miami Marlins on a two-way contract, and will most likely begin the season in New Orleans. Opening Day Roster Chance: 20 percent

Jon Berti two-for-five, two runs, two RBI, two strikeouts

Berti has impressed this spring, but will not begin the season with the Miami Marlins at the major league level. Opening Day Roster Chance: Zero percent

Dixon Machado two-for-nine, one run, one RBI, two strikeouts

Machado has spent at least part of each of the last four seasons at the major league level with the Detroit Tigers. He won’t start 2019 with the Marlins, but will likely join the team when injuries strike. Opening Day Roster Chance: Zero percent

Deven Marrero one-for-five, one home run, one walk, two runs, one RBI, one strikeout

Just three-for-25 this spring, Marrero will also open the year with the Baby Cakes. Opening Day Roster Chance: Zero percent

Yadiel Rivera three-for-six, one double, four runs, two RBI, SB

Rivera has a leg up on the other non-roster invitees, thanks to a solid defensive profile across all of the non-first base infield positions. Despite his offensive limitations, Rivera is the likeliest to make the Opening Day roster, and will the first infield callup in case of injury if not. Opening Day Roster Chance: 40 percent

More from Marlins News

• Miami Marlins news: Another target gone
• Why didn’t the Miami Marlins sign JDM?
• Miami Marlins rejected Boston‘s trade offer
• Miami Marlins are pursuing Michael Conforto
• Miami Marlins need to spend to win

Other Players

Isan Diaz 0-for-four, one walk, one run, one RBI, one SF, one SH, one strikeout

Diaz was optioned to the Baby Cakes on Tuesday, and should remain there until the inevitable trade of Castro sometime before July 31st.

Bryson Brigman one walk

Brigman’s only appearance this week was as a pinch hitter, in Miami’s 12-6 win against the Astros on Thursday. Brigman drew a walk in that plate appearance. Look for him to open with the double-A Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp when the season opens.

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