NEW YORK -- Going into the 2018 season, Marlins shortstop Miguel Rojas had four career home runs in 757 at-bats. But this year has been a different story. Entering Monday's action against the Mets, Rojas, 29, has seven home runs in 163 at-bats, including his first two-homer game in Sunday's 10-9 loss to the Braves.
Marlins manager Don Mattingly noticed that Rojas has learned to hit the ball to the opposite field.
"The work he has done with [hitting coach Mike Pagliarulo] and [assistant hitting coach Frank Menechino] and … being able to hit line drives to right has allowed him to have more confidence. He can see the ball longer," Mattingly said.
Rojas sees it a little differently. He is having success at the plate because he is playing every day for the first time in his career. It also helped that he didn't play winter ball in Venezuela, instead staying home and working out.
"I never had this opportunity on a daily basis in the big leagues," Rojas said. "This is a first time for me. I'm feeling comfortable every day that I play, every opportunity I have to face the same guy over and over. You have more chances to make adjustments. All the success is because I have the opportunity to play every day."
Despaigne off the DL
The Marlins activated right-hander Odrisamer Despaigne from the 10-day disabled list and optioned left-hander Dillon Peters to Triple-A New Orleans on Monday.
Despaigne landed on the DL on April 20 because of a right forearm strain after appearing in eight games (one start). He got a rehab outing last Wednesday for Class A Jupiter, allowing a solo homer in one inning.
Mattingly said Despaigne is versatile as a starter and a reliever, but he currently sees the righty as a long man out of the bullpen.
"We know he can do some different roles out there, but the one thing that we like is his versatility," Mattingly said.
Peters, who was recalled on Friday with Adam Conley to provide bullpen depth, did not make an appearance over the weekend in his latest stint with the club.
Worth noting
Rule 5 Draft pick Brett Graves is scheduled to throw five innings or 75 pitches for Jupiter on Tuesday. Graves has yet to pitch in the big leagues this year because of a left oblique strain.