What Griffin Conine has shown one week in

[Kevin Barral]

Through one week at the Major League level, Griffin Conine has impressed, doing a little bit of everything. He looks to keep it going during his first Marlins homestand.

MIAMI, FL—When the Marlins promoted Griffin Conine to the Major Leagues, expectations were relatively low for the 27-year-old, However, through six games, he's hitting .300/.333/.600/.933 with one home run and three RBI. All of a sudden, Conine is attempting to make the case to earn some sort of role for the 2025 season. 

"He's made some real strides in becoming a complete hitter," said Marlins manager Skip Schumaker before Tuesday's series-opener. "Not just the power, the power is there. He's a big, strong and physical kid. He's going to run into some baseballs, but I think seeing him hit it the other way, the line drive approach, I think has been pleasant. Not surprising, but more than where he was a few years ago. That's not easy to do and shows how athletic he is. To be able to do that. He's a really good defender. He can really throw the baseball as you saw in Colorado, but I think he's a baseball player."

The strides that Schumaker noted go back to Spring Training when he was with the Major League team as a non-roster invitee. The big adjustment for him was getting on top of the ball instead of attacking under, something he noted he did the last couple of seasons. The big adjustment that allowed him to get to the top of the ball more was raising his hands "a lot more," something that he did in high school and college.

"It's been huge," Conine told Fish On First in an exclusive interview. "I've told people that I think now I am most rewarded by getting a hit on a tough pitch that I feel like I wouldn't have gotten to last year. Not homers, we love homers, but when your swing is in a good spot, I'm gonna hit it out of the yard, but at the same time, you've gotta compete and be able to hit the pitcher's best pitch and I think I've done a lot better of a job at that than last year."

After starting his career in two hitter-friendly ballparks, Conine makes his way to loanDepot park, which is regarded as one of the tougher environments to hit in, but the Marlins new rookie isn't too worried about it as he's looking to make more contact that take a pitcher deep.

"It's definitely a place that favors pitchers more," said Conine. "That doesn't really change anything from what I am trying to do. Line drives play always. That's kinda been the story this year where I am learning to give up homers in favor of just getting hits. Any way that you can get into the lineup and get on base and get hits, gets walks and whatever that may be. The homers will come when they come so not too concerned about dimensions or anything like that."

Usually for any rookie, they will have a veteran to rely on, but in a season where there has been so much turnover, it's hard to find that veteran presence on the Marlins roster. Instead, it's been a lot of name-learning and finding ways to build relationships with players.

"It's interesting," said Conine. "We have a lot of new guys here that have come from trades. A lot of us here are on the same boat, just learning the organization. (Jake) Burger obviously is a great guy to have in the clubhouse. He's been showing me the way a good bit."

What does help not just Conine, but a lot of his current teammates is having that relationship in AAA. Notable names that were on the Jumbo Shrimp that are on the active roster are Connor Norby, Xavier Edwards, Jhonny Pereda and recently recalled Anthony Maldonado.

"We had a great culture in Jacksonville," said Conine. "Great group of guys there and awesome to see everybody coming up now. That's everyone's goal and I think it's cool that we are all on the same boat in that regard."

On Tuesday, Conine pinch-hit in the bottom of the eighth inning where he flew out to left field. Conine remained in the game playing right field. "I think just getting in the box for the first time," said Conine pregame when asked the emotions of playing in Miami. "It's going to be a crazy feeling and I think I'll be more comfortable than I would've been if I hadn't spent so much time here. I'm excited to play."

The Marlins fell by a final score of 6-2 after a rough start by Max Meyer, who surrendered five runs in 5 ⅔ innings of work. In the top of the third inning, Nationals outfielder Jacob Young took Meyer deep for a solo-homer. Meyer would allow another home run in the top of the fourth inning to Joey Gallo, this time a three-run shot.

The first of two Marlins runs were thanks to a Connor Norby RBI double which drove in Nick Fortes. In the inning that followed, Cristian Pache drove in David Hensley on an RBI double. Former Marlins reliever Robert Garcia closed the game out, striking out the side.

The Marlins fell to 0-8 against the Nationals and 51-87 overall in 2024. Just a year ago, they won 11 of their 13 contests against the division-rivals Nats. 

Wednesday's game will have Mexico-native Valente Bellozo take the mound for the Marlins and for the Nationals, it'll be MacKenzie Gore. The Marlins will look to settle for a split. First pitch is at 6:40 pm.

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[THOMAS JOSEPH]

I don't have an emotional connection to Conine, but I like the kid and the energy he brings.