The OOTP21 COVID-19 Simulation 10: Miami Marlins

When last we left the phantom dimension 2020 Miami Marlins, they were avoiding last in the National League East by the skin of their teeth.

At 23-33, it’s about what we expected from this bunch, but with half a game on the New York Mets, the team is all about finishing “not last.” We also weren’t expecting free agent signees Peter Bourjos, Julio Teheran, and Aaron Sanchez to make much of a splash, but there they are in the starting lineup and the starting rotation, respectively.

May 28

Cubs 5, Marlins 4

Aaron Sanchez (1-3, 4.30) acquitted himself nicely at the plate, with a two-for-two day with a run scored and two RBI. Unfortunately, he also surrendered all five Chicago runs on six hits and four walks in 4 2/3 innings, striking out five. Dylan Lee, Tommy Eveld, and Drew Steckenrider kept Cubs’ bats quiet for the rest of the way, but it wasn’t enough.

Miguel Rojas also collected a pair of hits with 32,645 in the house at Wrigley Field.

May 29

Padres 6, Marlins 1

In another strange turn of events generated by the OOTP game engine, Marlins manager Don Mattingly utilized Yimi Garcia as the opener in the series opener against the Padres. He pitched an inning and allowed two hits but no runs. Braxton Garrett then made his major league debut, striking out nine in five innings, and allowing two runs on four hits and a walk for the loss.

Three of Miami’s seven hits were for extra bases, with doubles courtesy of Miguel Rojas, Brian Anderson, and Jesus Aguilar. Nobody had multiple hits, and only Anderson collected an RBI.

May 30

Padres 4, Marlins 1

After starting the season with a nearly-acceptable 22-25 record, the Marlins dropped their 11th-of-12 and their third in a row with another loss to the Padres on a Saturday night. Miguel Rojas’ RBI-single was the only thing keeping Miami from getting shut out.

Brian Anderson and starter Julio Teheran were the only other Marlins to get a base hit. Teheran took the loss to drop to 1-7 for the season, striking out seven in five innings but also giving up four runs on six hits and four walks. Dylan Lee pitched a perfect inning, and Trevor Rogers pitched two scoreless.

May 31

Padres 6, Marlins 1

Miami collected nine hits, outhitting the Padres by one, but San Diego got them where they counted with 42,462 taking in the game at Petco Park. Jordan Yamamoto (0-2, 10.61) took the loss, surrendering six runs in six innings on six hits and three walks while striking out three. Miguel Rojas hit two doubles in the loss. Brian Anderson and Jesus Aguilar also collected a pair of base hits.

June 2

Phillies 3, Marlins 2

Corey Dickerson went three-for-four with a run scored and a stolen base, his third. Jonathan Villar got a single and stole his 17th base of the season as the Marlins lost another one, their fifth in a row. Sandy Alcantara (1-6, 6.93) pitched well enough to rack up a quality start, giving up three runs on seven hits and a walk in six innings, with five strikeouts. Dylan Lee struck out three in two scoreless innings.

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June 3

Marlins 9, Phillies 5

Brian Anderson (4) and Jesus Aguilar (12) both homered, and the Marlins combined for 15 other hits against the Phillies, all singles. Anderson led the way with four hits, Miguel Rojas had three, and Jon Berti, Aguilar, Peter Bourjos, and Corey Dickerson also had two-hit games.

Aaron Sanchez (2-3, 4.25) got the win with seven innings of three-run ball, on six hits and three walks. He struck out five. Ryne Stanek collected his second save of the season.

Not a great week for the Marlins, who clocked in with a 1-5 record to drop them to 24-38. They now reside in last place, 2 1/2 games behind the Mets. They’ll close up their three-game set against the Phillies tomorrow (June 4), then play a three-game set at home against the Seattle Mariners and a two-game road-set versus the Anaheim Angels.