Offishial News: Sandy Alcantara's innings limit; Andrew Nardi's setback

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Marlins Opening Day is 22 days away.

More Marlins news and content below:

🔷 Andrew Nardi has paused his throwing progression for at least the next few days due to back tightness. At this point, it is clear he will begin the regular season on the injured list. Nate Karzmer already factored that into his new roster projection and tabbed fellow left-hander Josh Simpson to fill his shoes. Personally, I don't think handedness will matter much when deciding the next man up. More likely, it'll be a pitcher already on the 40-man roster who is capable of eating multiple innings.

🔷 Although the Marlins haven't publicly stated it themselves, Sandy Alcantara will have his innings limited early in the season, Jeff Passan of ESPN reports (hence my previous comment about bullpen construction). Over the course of his career, Alcantara has averaged nearly 6.5 innings per start. All indications are that he'll work on a normal, every-fifth-day schedule, just without the opportunity to pitch as deep into games as he's accustomed to.

🔷 Our Fish On First Top 30 list has been updated. Thomas White remains firmly in a tier of his own and we also feel there's a noticeable drop-off from the first 10 prospects to the rest of the farm system, though the system as a whole has impressive depth. The rankings are a collaborative effort between myself, Alex Carver, Isaac Azout and Kevin Barral.

🔷 MLB Pipeline also updated their Marlins Top 30 this week. Jim Callis, who manages the list for Pipeline, is much higher on PJ Morlando (sixth) and Kemp Alderman (11th). 

🔷 Ryan Weathers' fastball velocity sat at 98 mph in his spring debut on Saturday, according to data obtained by Lance Brozdowski. More importantly, the shape of the pitch has been "overhauled" compared to last year. If this combination of velo and induced vertical break carries over to the regular season, it could become "one of the best left-handed fastballs in MLB."

🔷 Elsewhere around baseball, a cracked rib will sideline Atlanta Braves catcher Sean Murphy for 4-6 weeks. Murphy suffered the injury on Friday when he was hit by a 94 mph fastball from Marlins prospect William Kempner. Reigning AL Rookie of the Year Luis Gil will be shut down from throwing for at least six weeks due to a lat strain. The MLB free agent pool continues to dry up with José Quintana joining the Milwaukee Brewers (1-YR/$4.25M). Mike Moustakas is retiring after a 13-year MLB career.

🔷 Today's Grapefruit League game: the Marlins (probable starter RHP Sandy Alcantara) host the Washington Nationals (LHP Shinnosuke Ogasawara). Alcantara will be stretched out to three innings, as will Valente Bellozo coming out of the bullpen. It's only being broadcasted on the Marlins Radio Network. First pitch is scheduled for 1:10 p.m.

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