Offishial News: Updated Marlins infield alignment following Connor Norby's reinstatement

Ely Sussman · April 18, 2025

Today's news roundup also includes an interesting interview with outfielder Kyle Stowers.

It's very hard to be swept at home in a three-game series, even against a good opponent like the Arizona Diamondbacks. In Thursday's loss, the Miami Marlins got a lousy outing from Edward Cabrera, but still had numerous opportunities to overcome that. Jesús Sánchez came up a few feet shy of a game-tying home run in the sixth inning. Connor Norby was at the plate with the bases loaded and a two-run deficit in the seventh—he struck out looking. Miami put runners on base in every inning of the game, but never scored more than once in a single frame.

Down on the farm, Triple-A Jacksonville won, 4-1. Valente Bellozo tossed five scoreless innings. Agustín Ramírez clobbered a home run 422 feet, the longest batted ball he's ever hit in a Triple-A game. Ronny Simon went 2-for-3 with a walk. He ranks fourth in the International League with a .386 batting average and .473 on-base percentage. Double-A Pensacola won, 4-3. Joe Mack went 3-for-5 with two doubles. Josh Ekness allowed his first (unearned) run of the season, but still struck out five and earned the win. High-A Beloit lost, 3-0. For the first time this season, the Sky Carp did not steal any bases. Low-A Jupiter lost, 3-2.

More Marlins news and content below:

🔷 This week's roster moves have simplified the Marlins' infield alignment for the foreseeable future. Otto Lopez, Xavier Edwards and Norby will start regularly at second base, shortstop and third base, respectively, with Matt Mervis and Eric Wagaman platooning at first base. Expect Javier Sanoja to start once per series in place of Lopez/Edwards/Norby. This is a below-average defensive unit overall, but potentially an above-average one offensively.

🔷 Declan Cronin experienced a setback with his hip injury and is being reevaluated. With no timetable for his return and a 40-man roster spot open, I wonder if we could see one of the effective Jumbo Shrimp relievers promoted in the coming days.

🔷 Check out the latest Fish Unfiltered episode featuring an exclusive Kyle Stowers interview! Stowers was candid about his transition to the Marlins organization and his development as a hitter.

🔷 Christina De Nicola of MLB.com explores how the Marlins have been coaching and evaluating outfield defense this season.

🔷 Happy anniversary to the Marlins UK Fan Club. Fish fans across the pond can enter their email address on the club's site for updates on upcoming events.

🔷 The Prediction Time leaderboard has been updated through the first six series. Aram Leighton was the only one who made perfect picks for the Diamondbacks series. Become a SuperSub and we'll keep track of your predictions all season long!

4-18-2025 PT Leaderboard (1) copy.jpg

🔷 Elsewhere around baseball, the Colorado Rockies fired hitting coach Hensley Meulens and replaced him with Clint Hurdle. The Rockies have easily MLB's highest strikeout rate so far this season and a bottom-five offense overall once you adjust for ballpark factors. Francisco Lindor was named captain of Puerto Rico's 2026 World Baseball Classic team. Old friend Bryan De La Cruz was optioned to Triple-A by the Atlanta Braves. It's been a rapid drop-off for De La Cruz, who at this time last year was the everyday No. 2 hitter for the Marlins.

🔷 Today's MLB game: the Marlins (probable starter RHP Sandy Alcantara) visit the Philadelphia Phillies (RHP Zack Wheeler). The Marlins have a 35.7% chance to win, per FanGraphs. First pitch at 6:45 p.m. ET.

🔷 Prior to the game, Fish On First LIVE will preview the series beginning at 5:30 p.m. ET. Special guest: Alex Carr. FOF LIVE is presented by About The Fans. Check out our new merchandise collection (coupon code fof10 for 10% off).

🔷 Today's MiLB schedule: