Max Meyer impressive in final tune-up before regular season

[Kevin Barral]

Starting the Marlins' last exhibition game of the spring, Meyer looked good against the Yankees regulars. At the plate, one Marlin trying to secure his spot on the Opening Day roster went yard.

MIAMI, FL—On Tuesday, the Miami Marlins hosted the New York Yankees for an exhibition game. Right-hander Max Meyer gave the Marlins five innings en route to a 4-2 victory of the Yankees. He allowed two runs (one earned) off of five hits, allowed no walks and struck out three. Meyer's fastball averaged 95.4 mph, which is higher than any regular season start of his MLB career.

The 26-year-old starter used his entire five-pitch mix, led by his slider (25% usage) and changeup (22%). All three of Meyer's strikeouts were swinging strikeouts, with former American League MVP Aaron Judge being the final victim.

"He was terrific," said manager Clayton McCullough. "Finished off what was a really good spring training. The crispness of his pitches in particular, some of the breaking balls he threw today. Max can gain count leverage and get up on counts with people. He just has so many weapons to work with...Max finished as strong as he and us could hope for."

Meyer will make his first regular season start on Sunday against the Pittsburgh Pirates.

After struggling late in the spring, Marlins first baseman Matt Mervis hit a solo homer in the bottom of the third inning to put the Marlins ahead, 3-1. The ball left the bat 93.7 mph and went 359 feet into right field. Mervis will finish his first spring with the Marlins slashing .212/.255/.481/.736 with four home runs and eight RBI. He should be starting at first base on Opening Day.

"Matty had some really good at-bats in Port St. Lucie on Sunday," said McCullough. "Had a walk and lined out. Today, another walk in his first at-bat and then hit a homer. He's in a good spot right now heading into the season."

With the recent news of Connor Norby landing on the injured list to begin the season, the Marlins brought infielder Graham Pauley to Miami. He started Tuesday's game at third base. In the bottom of the fourth inning, Pauley hit a solo home run with an exit velocity of 107.9 mph that went 384 feet to right-center field. It was the second-hardest-hit ball by either team.

Back on March 16, the Marlins optioned Pauley to Triple-A Jacksonville, thinking there wouldn't be room for him in the majors, but now, he is well-positioned to get recalled for Thursday's opener.

 

Of Note

- Entering the regular season, the Marlins' starting rotation order will be as follows: Sandy Alcantara (Thursday), Connor Gillispie (Friday), Valente Bellozo (Saturday), Max Meyer (Sunday) and Cal Quantrill (Monday). On Wednesday, Quantrill and Edward Cabrera will face off in a simulated game. Quantrill will go five innings, but Cabrera's outing will likely be shorter as he gradually builds up his pitch count after suffering a blister on his middle finger. The latter will begin the season on the injured list and get sent on a minor league rehab assignment if the sim game goes as planned.

- McCullough notes that the Opening Day roster is almost done: "Definitely going to be some members that aren't going to be with us Opening Day. That certainly could be. It also means they're going to come up and help us out at some point."

 

- In his return to loanDepot park as an opposing player, Jazz Chisholm Jr. played second base and went 0-for-2, both plate appearances being groundouts.

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