CHICAGO -- The challenges don’t get any easier for the Marlins as they look to gain some positive movement while opening a four-game series at the Cubs, followed by three more on the road at the Mets.
Miami’s struggles in the standings (the worst record in the Majors) and lack of offensive productivity are evident. They entered Monday last in the big leagues in runs (91), home runs (23), doubles (37) and slugging percentage (.318), to name a few telling categories.
Still, the organization remains committed to staying the course and showing patience, yet urging the players to do their part individually.
“The guys, we’re just encouraging them to play hard and do everything they can do to make themselves better on a daily basis, and play complete games,” president of baseball operations Michael Hill said before the series opener against the Cubs. “That’s something we haven’t done consistently up to this point, where we’ve put all the facets of the game together, to allow us to win games.”
In Year 2 of a rebuild, the Marlins understand where they are in terms of personnel, juggling development of players at the big leagues and Minor Leagues.
“We still believe in the roster that we have here, the players that we have here,” Hill said. “We know every day that our pitcher is going to go out there and give us an opportunity to win. We have to take advantage of that.”
Starting pitching -- that’s the bright spot and the foundation of the young squad.
The starters rank 14th in MLB in ERA (4.10) and 11th in innings pitched (184 1/3).
It’s a matter of getting an offense, that doesn’t have prototypical power hitters in the middle of the lineup, to pick up the pace.
“When you look at the pieces that we have, we just have to have them play to their strengths,” Hill said. “We know we aren’t going to be a huge home run team, but we knew that we have guys who make contact consistently -- gap power. They’re capable of advancing the lineup and putting up crooked numbers just by extra-base hits. That’s still the plan here.”
To help in the growing process, the club is leaning on veterans such as Martín Prado, Neil Walker, Curtis Granderson and Miguel Rojas.
“We still believe in the veterans that we have here,” Hill said. “It’s a just a matter of putting it all together. Our coaches are still positive with our guys every day and just doing everything in our power to continue on that path and win more ballgames.”
Worth noting
• Outfielder/first baseman Garrett Cooper (left hand contusion) has started his hitting progression. When pain-free, Cooper will be close to playing in rehab assignment games.
• Infield prospect Isan Diaz was plunked on the hand at Triple-A New Orleans by a pitch on Sunday. X-rays came back negative, and he is expected to be fine.
• Relievers Julian Fernández (returning from Tommy John surgery) and Riley Ferrell (right biceps tendinitis) are both making progress. Fernandez threw a 20-pitch live batting practice. Both are on the 60-day injured list and could be ready to join the Marlins as early as June. Ferrell is closer to being ready. Fernandez could be later in June, barring any setbacks.
• JT Riddle (back spasms) came off the Minor League injured list and played Sunday at New Orleans. Riddle, who will play shortstop and outfield, is a candidate to return to the Marlins in the near future.