The OOTP21 COVID-19 Simulation 4: Miami Marlins

Coming into their fourth week of simulated action, the Miami Marlins sit at a surprising 10-9, third in the National League Eastern Division.

A lot of unforeseen personnel moves seem to have thrust the Miami Marlins into contention, albeit its still just April, but we can dream.

After an off-day, the Miami Marlins kick off a three-game set against the Philadelphia Phillies.

April 18th

Phillies 8, Marlins 4

The Phillies and Marlins collected two-dozen hits between them, but Philadelphia doubled up Miami where it counted most.

Pablo Lopez (4-1, 1.83) dropped his first decision of the season, but still turned in a quality start. In six innings, he allowed three runs on six hits and zero walks, while striking out seven. Ryne Stanek later gave up three runs in 1/3 of an inning, running his ERA to 11.25.

MIAMI, FLORIDA – SEPTEMBER 11: Pablo Lopez #49 of the Miami Marlins. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)

Offensively, the Marlins were led by three hits from Jesus Aguilar, and two each from Brian Anderson and Miguel Rojas. Francisco Cervelli went deep for the first time in 2020, with two on in the eighth inning.

Post-Game Transactions

Dylan Lee was optioned to the Double-A Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp, while Peter Bourjos was DFA and placed on waivers. In their place, prospect Sixto Sanchez and second baseman Isan Diaz were recalled to the Marlins.

April 19th

Phillies 7, Marlins 3

Caleb Smith (1-4, 4.97) took the loss, allowing four runs on six hits and five walks in 4 2/3 innings. He struck out seven before giving way to Sixto Sanchez, who pitched 1 1/3 perfect innings and striking out two batters.

In his first game since his early season struggles, Isan Diaz went three-for-four with a ninth-inning solo home run. Jorge Alfaro went two-for-four with a pair of RBI.

The Marlins called back Dylan Lee from the Shrimp and bought the contract of Carlos Gomez from the Triple-A Wichita Wind Surge. To make room, Eddy Alvarez and Sixto Sanchez were sent down.

April 20th

Phillies 9, Marlins 8

The Phillies completed a three-game sweep of the upstart Miami Marlins with a 13-hit onslaught. Although the Marlins matched their output, the Phillies put it in the win-column by causing Drew Steckenrider (0-1, 2.70) to blow his first save of the season after seven in seven tries.

Jose Urena started and took no decision, surrendering eight hits and a walk for five earned runs in 5 2/3 innings. He struck out three. Miami’s offense was led by three singles and a pair of RBI from Brian Anderson. Jorge Alfaro hit his second homer of the year, a three-run shot, and Jonathan Villar, Corey Dickerson, and Isan Diaz each collected a pair of hits.

Post-Game Transaction

Trevor Rogers was sent back to the Shrimp, and Sixto Sanchez got him some frequent flyer miles by rejoining the Marlins once again.

April 21st

Marlins 4, Mets 2

In the first game of a three-game set, the Marlins doubled the Mets with 23,829 on hand at Citi Field. Sandy Alcantara (1-3, 5.32) finally broke through into the win column, striking out five and allowing four walks and three hits in 5 1/3 innings. Despite his troubles, he was touched for only one run. Drew Steckenrider nailed down his eighth save with a five-pitch ninth.

Jorge Alfaro collected his third tater of the year, while Corey Dickerson and Miguel Rojas had two hits apiece.

April 22nd

Mets 4, Marlins 2

The Mets returned the favor by doubling the Marlins on Wednesday night. Julio Teheran (0-3, 6.35) took the loss by giving up four runs on six hits and two walks, striking out two in six innings. Brandon Kintzler pitched two hitless innings in relief.

Offensively, the Marlins could only manage five hits, led by a pair from Brian Anderson.

After their 1-4 week, the Marlins drop to 11-13 and now sit just one game ahead of the last-place Mets, who they’ll play against in a rubber match tomorrow night (April 23rd).

Any big surprises you want to comment on thus far? It’s just you and me, as far as I can tell. Thanks for reading.