Marlins Spring Training Game 1 Lineup versus Cardinals is without a few stars but has multiple newcomers

The Miami Marlins first Spring Training game starts today at 1:05pm versus the Cardinals at Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium in Jupiter. It’s great that baseball is back and the Marlins fans are excited about another season and a few recent moves and fans can watch on Bally Sports Florida or they can listen on WAQI 710 or mlb.com. 

Miami Marlins Spring Training Lineup Game 1

The top Marlins players are likely in the lineup for 1-2 at bats before being pulled and therefore positioned at the top of the order. Newly signed Tim Anderson is in the clubhouse but likely won’t play today as he just arrived. Fans will get to take a first look however at the first Marlins Spring Training game for Jake Burger and Josh Bell, as both are beginning their first full season with the Marlins. Here’s a look at today’s lineup. 

Xavier Edwards will most definitely get a lot of time and looks this spring as he was between AAA and the Marlins multiple times last season and is a versatile utility player. Last season Edwards played in 30 games with the Marlins and hit .295 with 3 doubles, 3 RBI, and 5 stolen bases, and while in AAA he hit .351 with 32 stolen bases. If Edwards can show he can play shortstop well he could have a good shot at making the opening day roster as a utility INF/OF.

The biggest players to look for during this first game are in the bottom of the order, Mancini, Myers, and Bruján. Trey Mancini was recently signed to a minor league deal but could prove his worth this spring to be the Marlins DH and backup for 1B behind Josh Bell. Troy Johnston, who is not starting, is likely to challenge him for that role and will likely replace Bell at some point during the game at first base unless Arraez gets some work there.

Dane Myers was a fan favorite when he was called up last summer and had a tough go of it but showed some flashes of brilliance. Myers is also vying for the last roster spot this spring as an outfielder. In 22 games with Miami he hit .269 with 1 home run, 9 RBI, 3 doubles, and 1 stolen base. He filled in well in centerfield and could be the favorite to make the roster as Jazz Chisholm’s backup. 

Bruján is another player vying for that same utility role that Edwards is and he plays middle infield as well as outfield. Bruján was one of Peter Bendix’s acquisitions this offseason so he might have a leg up in the competition but Edwards has shown he is able to play at the top level. 

Starting pitcher Ryan Weathers could also show his ability to pitch more consistently this spring since he struggled with that in 2023. He will likely give way to a few more pitchers both Non-Roster invitees such as Jeff Lindgren and current bullpen arms like Bryan Hoeing. Declan Cronin, Kent Emanuel, and Josh Simpson will look to make a big impression on coaches this first week of games as well.