8 years without José Fernández

[Ely Sussman]

Offishial News for 9/25/24

On Tuesday, the Marlins did that all-too-familiar thing where they put a few runs on the scoreboard early, but couldn't add on from there. Against the slumping Twins, it was enough. Jonah Bride, Nick Fortes and Xavier Edwards each drove in runs during the second inning. Dane Myers came off the bench and drew a walk in his return from the injured list. The Marlins won, 4-1. It was Ryan Weathers' first win since May 26.

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🔷 Cristian Pache was designated for assignment as the corresponding move for Myers. Pache might not have become a Marlin in the first place without Myers' injury, which created a temporary need for a right-handed-hitting outfielder with center field ability. During his two months on the roster, Pache failed to capitalize on the opportunity. The former top prospect slashed .183/.234/.283 in 35 games, almost precisely aligned with his career slash line, and it isn't as if he brought much to the table as a baserunner. Pache's defense was fine, but not extraordinary. The Marlins are the fifth MLB team in the last four years to get rid of Pache. Assuming he wants to continue his playing career, his options are likely limited to international and independent leagues.

🔷 Congratulations to Nicole and Mike Baumann, who are awaiting the arrival of their first child (Baumann was placed on the paternity list prior to Tuesday's game).

🔷 Jesús Luzardo is the Marlins nominee for the 2024 Roberto Clemente Award. Vote for Luzardo here through Sunday.

🔷 On this day eight years ago, José Fernández and two other young men perished in a boating accident. It was nothing short of a franchise-altering tragedy. Just 24 years old, Fernández had already established himself as one of baseball's elite starting pitchers, always delivering a mesmerizing viewing experience with his limitless charisma and unhittable stuff. He was deeply embraced by the South Florida community in part because of his backstory, which included defecting from Cuba with his mother at age 15. JDF still owns numerous Marlins records and his dominance in home starts specifically will never be matched. Nobody on the team has worn uniform No. 16 since his passing.

🔷 Elsewhere around baseball, the Padres clinched a postseason berth, finishing off a win over the Dodgers by turning a ninth-inning triple play. The Athletics drew 30,402 fans to the Oakland Coliseum to witness a walk-off. Aaron Judge hit his 56th home run. Charlie Blackmon announced his retirement. He was actually drafted by the Marlins out of high school (28th round in 2004), but did not sign, ultimately spending his entire professionally career with the Rockies where he was a four-time All-Star who accrued 20.4 fWAR/20.8 bWAR.

🔷 Today's MLB game: the Marlins (probable starter RHP Edward Cabrera) continue their series against the Twins (RHP Simeon Woods Richardson). It's pretty much a must-win for the Twins, whose playoff odds have dropped to 27.0%, per FanGraphs. First pitch at 7:40 p.m. ET.

 

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