Brinson among new Marlins to debut on Friday

Top prospect expected to start Grapefruit League opener; Sierra, Castro, Cooper also slated to play

February 22nd, 2018

JUPITER, Fla. -- After eight days of refreshing the fundamentals and getting into playing shape, it's time for the games to begin. The Marlins open Grapefruit League action on Friday at 1:05 p.m. ET against the Cardinals at Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium.
Left-hander , ranked by MLB Pipeline as Miami's No. 11 prospect, will start and is scheduled to throw two innings. The Cardinals are going with right-hander , rated 38th on Pipeline's Top 100 overall list.
• Marlins Spring Training info
The Marlins are the home team, and they tentatively have four newly acquired players in their starting lineup: , , and .
"It's a chance for everybody to be seen," Marlins manager Don Mattingly said. "For us to get eyes on them, and for them to get comfortable."
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Miami's expected batting order is: Sierra RF, J.T. Realmuto C, Castro 2B, DH, Cooper 1B, LF, Brinson CF, 3B and SS.
Brinson is Miami's No. 1 prospect, while Sierra is seventh and Anderson is eighth.
Unlike the past few years when the Marlins pretty much had a set lineup, there is open competition for several spots, including the outfield. Competition will help decide at least a few roster spots.
"The early part of camp is pretty much the same," Mattingly said. "You're going to try to get everybody at-bats the first two weeks.
"First two weeks, everybody's at-bats are kind of close. Then at the end, the guys who are getting ready or are fighting for spots, those are the guys you give the at-bats too."
Maybin ready for Monday
, who celebrated a World Series title last year with the Astros, is expected to make his Grapefruit League debut against the defending World Series champions on Monday in Jupiter.
The 30-year-old outfielder signed with Miami on Wednesday, and he's had two days of practices. Because he joined the team with camp already underway, the veteran is getting a few extra days to get into playing shape.
Maybin latest addition to Marlins' speedy OF
"I've got him scheduled for Monday," Mattingly said. "He's probably ready for earlier than that. Our other guys were here for four days and they're going to be playing games. So, we'll get him a couple of days of live here. I told him Monday."

Maybin has been facing live pitching and getting the basics down in outfield drills.
"We want him to build up his arm a little bit," Mattingly said. "He hadn't really been able to do much. Help let him get his arm get in shape before we get him out there."
Worth noting
• , the club's No. 3-ranked prospect, is expected to make his Spring Training debut on Saturday against the Nationals in Jupiter. is scheduled to start, with the hard-throwing Alcantara slotted to be in relief.

• The signing of Maybin means two outfield spots are set, leaving one opening. Dietrich has already been tabbed as the left fielder, and Maybin can play either center or right. In relay drives on Thursday, Maybin was in right field with Brinson in center.
Up next: The Marlins open Grapefruit League play on Friday at 1:05 p.m. ET against the Cardinals in Jupiter. Miami is the home team.