Connor Norby stays hot since call-up, hits first Marlins homer

[Hector Rodriguez]

Norby provided one of Miami's few highlights on Saturday during a blowout win for the visiting Cubs.

MIAMI, FL—Valente Bellozo struggled on the mound and the relievers behind him weren't any better as the Miami Marlins were routed by the Chicago Cubs, 14-2.

The rookie right-handed pitcher got the start on Saturday. His seventh outing at the major league level was the worst of his young MLB career. Bellozo struggled with command, frequently falling behind in the count or leaving pitches over the heart of the plate.

Bellozo threw 4 ⅔ innings, his first time not completing at least five. He allowed seven hits, three home runs, five runs, a career-high five walks (one was intentional) and one strikeout. Bellozo previously had only eight walks through his first 33 innings pitched on the season. 

Bellozo's velocity was even lower than usual, peaking at 89.9 mph. Despite the poor results this time around, his 3.35 ERA overall is still impressive for an unheralded prospect.

The Marlins offense struggled to put runs on the board as they scored two runs on four hits against Cubs lefty Shota Imanaga. Rookie infielder Connor Norby was one of the view bright spots for the Miami lineup in Saturday’s loss. Norby hit his first home run as a Marlin with a solo bomb to center field.

Norby is slashing .300/.333/.600 through five games in a Marlins uniform with at least one hit in each contest.  

Outfielder David Hensley also hit his first home run of the year with a solo blast to dead center. Ali Sánchez and Cristian Pache were the other two Marlins hitters to record a hit in the game.

With the game already out of reach, Vidal Bruján made his pitching debut in the ninth inning.

 

What’s next?

The Marlins will look to avoid the sweep and snap their five-game losing streak against the Cubs on Sunday afternoon.

Sidelined on Saturday by lower back discomfort, shortstop Xavier Edwards will swing a bat and hope to begin progressing toward a return to game action.

Right-handed pitcher Adam Oller will be on the mound for the Marlins, his second start with the club. The Chicago Cubs will hand the ball to right-handed pitcher Javier Assad. The 27-year-old hurler has pitched well this season for the Cubs. He has a 6-3 record with a 3.11 ERA and 99 strikeouts through 113 innings pitched. The first pitch for the series finale is at 1:40 pm EST.

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[One Regend]

Nothing to watch here really. Just a team tanking for hopefully a better future.

I can see Connor Norby being a stud for us at 3rd Base. If he sticks there, that creates a problem at 1B. If both Deyvision De Los Santos and Agustin Ramirez performs admirably and earns spots on the major league club, they will both be competing at 1B. Unless the team decides to exclusively use one of them at DH, one of them is going to be stuck toiling AAA.

I, quite frankly, am not impressed with Agustin's defensive play as a catcher. He's not long until he's going to the majors, so the Marlins won't have time to develop his skills behind the plate. So realistically, his path to the majors is going to be as 1B. I don't see another lane for him. Same for De Los Santos if Connor Norby sticks at 3rd, doubly since his defensive play at 3rd isn't exactly inspiring confidence, either.