Marisnick stays loose in first week in Majors

MIAMI -- Relax and have fun is the approach Jake Marisnick is taking during his first homestand in the big leagues.

The 22-year-old was promoted from Double-A Jacksonville on Tuesday, and he is taking over center field for the Marlins. But in his first three games, he failed to collect his first big league hit. He got off the schneid in the sixth inning Friday night, delivering a single.

"I think he's going to be able to sleep tonight," manager Mike Redmond said after the Marlins beat the Pirates, 2-0. "I told him, 'Me too. I haven't slept in three days, trying to figure out how to get you a hit.'

Marisnick has been striving to stay loose and not put too much pressure on himself.

"Just go out there and have fun, and remember this is the same game I've played since I was a little kid," the rookie said before the game. "Just go out there and have fun. I've put a little bit of pressure on myself, but I think everybody does when you step out there for the first time. What it's all about is just learning how to play with that pressure and have fun."

Marisnick enjoyed success at the plate at Jacksonville, batting .294 with 12 home runs and 46 RBIs. In July, he was batting .344 (22-for-64) when he got the big league nod.

"It comes down to get a good pitch to hit, and that comes with time and experience," Marisnick said. "I'm just trying to simplify everything and stick to the basics and not try to do too much. I've been pressing a little bit. Pitch selection is a big thing. Making sure I'm getting a good pitch to hit and not try to do too much with it."