NEW YORK – Despite having the worst record in the Major Leagues, Marlins manager Don Mattingly has seen positives with the pitching staff, even though Miami began Friday ranked 23rd in the Major Leagues with a 4.68 team ERA.

However, Mattingly would like to see the offense improve. Entering Friday’s action against the Mets, the offense ranked 29th in the Major Leagues in batting average. Mattingly wants to see the hitters have a better approach at the plate. He doesn’t want to see the hitters chasing pitches, he wants to see them get good pitches to hit.

“Obviously, the losses are not good,” Mattingly said. “But our pitching has been pretty consistent. You feel like you are going to get a good start. … Our pitching this year has been positive.

“Our biggest area that we haven’t been able to grow is being able to sustain any kind of steady offense. We have shown glimpses here and there, but we haven’t been generating runs. That’s been the toughest thing for us.”

Mattingly likes direction Marlins are taking

Now in his second year with the new ownership, which includes chief executive officer Derek Jeter, Mattingly said before Friday’s game that the team is going in the right direction. He feels there is a unity from top to bottom.

“I don’t think anybody is happy with what is going on at the [Major League] level,” Mattingly said. “But we also know our system is getting better. The way we are going about our business down in the [Minor League system] is getting better. I truly believe that in time, it will be the place to be. The organization is going to be sustainable as we get everything in place."

Asked if he was going to be with the Marlins when they start contending, Mattingly laughed and said, “That’s a question for another time. But either or, I still think the organization is going to be in a good spot. The main thing is, I would love to see it through, but that is not my decision. No matter what happens with me, the organization is going in the right direction."

Injury report

• Right-hander Julian Fernández, who underwent Tommy John surgery in April of 2018, will throw live batting practice on Saturday. He will throw no more than 20 pitches.

• Right-hander Riley Ferrell (right biceps tendinitis) is expected to play in extended spring training action next week.

• Outfielder Garrett Cooper (bruised right wrist) has progressed on his rehab assignment to Triple-A New Orleans.