Norby makes Marlins debut as Fish fall

Isaac Azout · August 20, 2024

Recently-acquired infielder Connor Norby made his Marlins debut on Monday night as he went 1-for-4 with a run and an RBI in Miami's 9-6 loss at loanDepot park.

MIAMI, FL—A very active trade deadline brought 15 young players to the Marlins. At the expense of their current big league roster, Miami felt like they added a strong layer of talent that they hope will be a stepping stone for sustainable success in the future.

Infielder Connor Norby was one of the most significant pieces they acquired. Norby, 24, came to Miami in a trade with the Baltimore Orioles on July 30. He, along with Kyle Stowers, was sent to the Marlins in exchange for left-hander Trevor Rogers. Fish On First ranks Norby as the #2 prospect in Miami's system.

After 14 games with Triple-A Jacksonville, where he split time at second and third base, Norby was recalled on Monday to make his Marlins debut against the Arizona Diamondbacks. In 94 AAA games with Baltimore and Miami, Norby slashed .293/.382/.493 with 17 home runs and 60 RBI.

"I can add a little bit of everything," said the North Carolina native before Monday's 9-6 loss. "I think I can do many different things and I can impact the game both defensively and offensively. A year ago, I probably would have said only offensively."

While spending most of his professional career at second base, Miami wants to give him reps at third base as well. "Anytime you make a position change, it's not easy. He has high character and incredible makeup, and when you have those two qualities, defense is a lot easier to get better at," said manager Skip Schumaker pregame.

"There's no doubt in my mind that after talking with him and coaches that have been around Connor, he's going to do everything he can to be an above-average third baseman."

The Orioles promoted Norby to the Majors for the first time on June 3, and he struggled. In nine games, he went 6-for-32 with two home runs and a 37.5 K%. He did hit two home runs, one ironically being against the Marlins at loanDepot park. However, In 387 career minor league games, Norby has a slash line of .285/.367/.494.

Norby singled in his first Marlins AB on Monday. In the bottom of the sixth, he drove in a run and later scored on a Stowers base hit.

"The bat is going to play up here, I really believe that," added Schumaker. "I think the edge in that clubhouse is really going to play. There will be some learning moments, for sure, at third base, but I don't think that's going to be an issue at all for him."

After a decent all-around debut, Schumaker said, "his baseball IQ is really high. You can just see how he goes about his business on the field. He's just a good all-around baseball player. I'm really excited to watch him the next six weeks and watch him grow here."

In his first game with the Marlins, he did have a familiar face hitting behind him in the lineup in Stowers. "I couldn't get away from (Stowers) too long," said Norby jokingly. "He's the best and is a super-talented player. I know he's scuffling a little bit, so when I saw him this morning, I told him, 'You're going to start raking now that I'm here.'"

After going 5-for-52 in his first 16 games with Miami, Stowers indeed started to rake. He collected his first multi-hit game with the Marlins, going 3-for-4 with two runs and an RBI on Monday.

"His BP has been better, the early work is better. Mabry and the guys are getting through to him and he's digesting it, it just takes a little time," said Skip.

Adam Oller made the start for Miami in what was his team debut as well against Brandon Pfaadt. After a couple of scoreless innings, Oller ran into trouble. A couple of hit-batsmen and a base hit loaded the bases for Miami native Adrian Del Castillo, who lifted a grand slam to straight-away center field. Del Castillo would add two more RBI in the seventh to put the game away.

Miami was able to put together good at-bats against Pfaadt as they recorded nine hits against the right-hander. "I thought we did a pretty good job, honestly. Up and down the lineup, even the guys that didn't get hits, hit the ball really well. They have a good pitching staff, so overall, I thought it was a really good offensive day."

Following their series-opening loss, Miami will turn to Edward Cabrera on Tuesday night. He will oppose Eduardo Rodriguez.

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