Miami Marlins Rookie Xavier Edwards Notches his First Hit

The Miami Marlins recalled 23 year old Xavier Edwards on Tuesday the 2nd from the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp. Edwards hit .306 with four RBI and seven stolen bases so far this spring with the Jumbo Shrimp and the former San Diego Padres 38th pick showed out in his second appearance and first career start. In the bottom on the 7th inning the 23 year old Broward county native smashed a single through the middle on a first pitch fastball to notch his first big league hit in only his second start in the big leagues.

Miami Marlins Rookie Xavier Edwards Notches his First Hit

Last season Xavier Edwards hit five home runs and drove in 33 runs, with seven stolen bases while hitting .246. Although the numbers aren't really staggering, Edwards slashed .246/.328/.350 with an OPS of .678 which was a down year as his minor league career OPS Is .754 and he averaged over 20 stolen bases a season in his career. He could truly add a different level of attack that the Marlins offense needs to spark some more scoring, as pitchers would be distracted by his base stealing capabilities.

Avisale Garcia, who Edwards replaces while he is on the mend, was hitting .188 with three home runs prior to his IL stint. Although Edwards is likely to be pulled back when he returns, he is taking advantage of his time with the big club which could keep him in the running for an expanded roster spot in the future. The 23 year old Edwards will look to continue to fight for at bats with a beat up Marlins roster and if he continues to produce the future will be bright for the Rookie.

The Marlins were routed by the Atlanta Braves in the aftermath of Edwards first big league hit, with a final score of 14-6. The Braves beat up the Marlins pitching staff amassing 18 hits including five home runs. The Braves seem to be the Marlins kryptonite this season and will finish the third game of the series at 4:10pm EST on Thursday May 4th with Jesus Luzardo on the mound.