MIAMI -- The Marlins activated No. 5 prospect Jesús Sánchez from the injured list prior to Monday's series opener against the Braves, and his return had a domino effect on the lineup.
Sánchez, who has been sidelined since the beginning of the second half, had been starting in left field when Adam Duvall was still on the team. Duvall was dealt to Atlanta at the Trade Deadline, so Sánchez can now shift to his more natural position in right field.
Bryan De La Cruz, acquired by the Marlins at the Deadline for Yimi García, had started all 15 games in right since joining the organization. He got the nod in left on Monday, with Lewis Brinson remaining in center. Manager Don Mattingly said that those three could appear at any of the outfield spots, which is what they have done in their professional careers.
"I'd like to get Jesús back to his comfort zone in right field," Mattingly said. "He's been playing right in his rehab starts, so that's what we'll do. Obviously, we want him to be able to be flexible, too. We don't want him to be stuck in one spot, or De La Cruz or Brinson."
The return of Sánchez also impacts catcher Jorge Alfaro, who had started eight of the club's last 12 games in left field. Alfaro was behind the dish for Monday's game. Backstop Alex Jackson, acquired from Atlanta in the Duvall deal, had started nine games in that span.
Mattingly noted the club also would like to see Alfaro at first base. The skipper brought up the example of what the Dodgers do with Max Muncy, Chris Taylor and Cody Bellinger, all of whom play multiple positions. Kris Bryant did the same for the Cubs, and now the Giants.
"It's really taking advantage of Jorgie's athleticism," Mattingly said. "I think it showed, offensively, it's freed him up some, taking advantage of his talents but also allowing him to have days where he's really, really been able to just focus on his hitting."
Added general manager Kim Ng: "I personally think [Alfaro has] done great. Some of the plays he's made in the outfield, he's cut some balls off, made a tremendous throw and relay home. We've seen that, and then with the bat, we've seen the bat really come alive, and [I'm] really, really happy about that. So he's done great."
López's road to recovery
Right-hander Pablo López (right rotator cuff strain) threw a 35-pitch batting practice on Monday. Afterward, he said the next step might be starting a rehab assignment -- barring a setback -- since that was the case in 2019.
The 25-year-old used all of his pitches in the simulated first inning, then mainly fastballs in the second while facing Deven Marrero and Sandy León.
"They said his stuff was good," Mattingly said. "The breaking ball was sharp. It was more about him seeing hitters and being in there with the hitters. Just keep his progression going."
This marks the third season López has missed time with a right shoulder injury after also doing so in 2018 and '19. López is 5-5 with a 3.03 ERA and a 1.09 WHIP in 19 starts this season.
"If I'm able to end the season healthy and pitching, that's the goal I'm looking for," López said.