Miami Marlins notes: Avi finally gone, Puk, playoffs, Willis

The Miami Marlins had a bad weekend series, losing to the Cleveland Guardians. There were some positive news along the way, but it was overall not the best weekend. We did of course get to see former World Series winning starting pitcher Dontrelle Willis for his bobblehead night on Sunday. Other things took place on Monday as well, so let's get into everything here...

A busy couple of days for the Miami Marlins just took place.

The Miami Marlins have finally officially moved on from disappointing OF Avisail Garcia. He was designated for assignment back on June 4, but after clearing waivers has now been officially released. The Fish are still on the hook for the rest of his $12 million salary this season, and for another $12 million next season. It's a very positive development, because it proves that the team genuinely wants to win. Since he's getting paid anyway, he could've just been kept on the roster.

Garcia was a complete disappointment with The Fish throughout his time on the team. He batted .224/.266/.317, with 8 HR and 35 RBI in 98 games and 357 AB. In 2023, he batted .185/.241/.315, with 3 HR and 12 RBI in 37 games and 108 AB. This season, he batted .240/.255/.380 with 2 HR and 2 RBI, in 18 games and 50 AB. He will not be missed.

In other news, relief pitcher A.J. Puk is continuing to have a nightmare of a season. He gave up 3 runs on a home run in 0.1 innings in Sunday's loss to Cleveland. After failing as a starting pitcher earlier this season, he's been demoted to the bullpen and now for the season he has an abysmal 7.30 ERA/5.30 FIP, with 6.6 K/9 and 7.3 BB/9 in 4 games and 24.2 innings pitched. The control has been dreadful, the strikeouts are down... it seems it's time for him to be DFA'd himself.

Finally, a fun new bobblehead was given on Sunday in honor of Dontrelle Willis. Willis won the World Series with the then Florida Marlins in 2003 and seems to have been happy to be there.