We’re already in late August, but with the postseason a real possibility in 2016 for the Miami Marlins, the team is still looking to add players to the mix, while hoping to get back some of their injured players as soon as possible.
Michael Hill, president of baseball operations, spoke to Joe Frisaro of MLB.Com, and had some interesting things to say about what the Marlins are planning to do, and how they see the next month unfolding in terms of their personnel.
- Hill wasn’t specific, but said the team will continue to look for ways and players that can improve their roster
- A.J. Ramos is coming back, which gives them the late-game pitching mix they were hoping for, although Fernando Rodney will remain as the ninth inning reliever
- Both Adam Conley and Wei-Yin Chen are still injured, with Conley closer to making a return. The Marlins hope Chen can make it back at some point during September, but they’re prepared for going the rest of the regular season and maybe the playoffs without him
- The Marlins are monitoring Jose Fernandez pitch and inning count, as he’s made it to 141.2 innings this season. An All-Star for the second time in his career, Fernandez is expected to carry on with a full load, hopefully into the postseason
- Justin Bour is soon to be back from an ankle injury (they’re hoping at least), which makes it an interesting situation at first base. Derek Dietrich, Chris Johnson and Xavier Scruggs are all going to be impacted.
The Marlins have lost Giancarlo Stanton for the season, but they remain on track for an interesting finish in the NL East. They’re not going to catch up with the Washington Nationals, but they’re only 1.5 games behind the second wild card ticket, and will probably in the mix for that spot until the very end. The Marlins haven’t had a winning season since 2009, and haven’t made the playoffs since 2003, when they won the World Series.