Bad defense continues contributing to Marlins' demise

On Wednesday, Braxton Garrett (4.2 IP, 7 H, 6 R, 4 ER, 0 BB, 4 K, 89 pitches/54 strikes) was mediocre against the Mets, and the defense behind him did not help. The Marlins rank tied for last in the majors in outs above average and tied for 26th in defensive runs saved. In relief of Garrett, JT Chargois made his season debut and recorded four outs. Another two-hit game for Tim Anderson (first time as a Marlin that he's had consecutive multi-hit games). Francisco Lindor, Starling Marte and Harrison Bader each hit home runs. The Marlins lost, 10-4.

Down on the farm, Triple-A Jacksonville won, 3-1. In contrast with the big league squad, the Jumbo Shrimp defense was slick behind RHP Yonny Chirinos (5.0 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 3 BB, 2 K, 67 pitches/40 strikes). INF Xavier Edwards returned to his regular shortstop duties. Double-A Pensacola lost, 4-3. RHP Zach McCambley again struggled with his control in relief. He has walked 15 batters in 14 innings pitched with a 6.43 ERA, twice as high as last season's mark. High-A Beloit lost, 2-1. C Cameron Barstad accounted for two of their three hits. 1B Torin Montgomery plated the only run with a solo homer.

Here's more Marlins news and content for you: 

🔷 Although Tanner Scott is expected to draw interest from a wide variety of teams leading up to the trade deadline, I don't expect him to bring back much in return. Scott's trade value peaked this past offseason, but the Marlins were reluctant to sell productive veterans at that time coming off their 2023 playoff berth.

🔷 For what it's worth, MLB.com's Mark Feinsand includes Scott and Josh Bell on his list of 10 potential trade chips whose stock is rising.

🔷 Kevin Barral writes about how Griffin Conine emerged as a legitimate Marlins call-up candidate, with quotes from Conine's new interview on The Call Up podcast (episode embedded below).

🔷 Greggory Masterson of Twins Daily gives a quick overview of the non-Jesús Luzardo players on the Marlins roster who could make sense for the Twins.

🔷 There are three more chances to enter the Marlins 2024 Honorary First Pitch Sweepstakes. Winners selected for the July 4, August 9 and August 24 home games will receive four clubhouse box tickets in additional to the first pitch honor.

🔷 Juan Pierre and his kids joined South Florida PBS at loanDepot park to discuss some baseball fundamentals.

🔷 Elsewhere around baseball, the Braves have lost five games in a row, their longest skid since 2017. The Mariners are threatening to run away from the American League West having won 13 of their last 17. After blasting No. 17 against the Royals, Giancarlo Stanton is on pace for the highest home run total of his Yankees tenure.

🔷 Today's MLB game: the Marlins (probable starter RHP Roddery Muñoz) conclude their series against the Mets (RHP Luis Severino). I'll be providing on-site coverage from Citi Field. The Marlins have a 35.2% chance to win, per FanGraphs. First pitch is scheduled for 7:10 p.m. ET.

🔷 Today's MiLB schedule: 

• Triple-A Jacksonville vs. Indianapolis, 7:05 p.m. ET
• Double-A Pensacola at Birmingham, 8:00 p.m. ET
• High-A Beloit at Quad Cities, 7:30 p.m. ET
• Low-A Jupiter vs. St. Lucie, doubleheader beginning at 4:00 p.m. ET
• FCL Marlins vs. FCL Mets, 12:00 p.m. ET
• DSL Marlins at DSL Angels, 11:00 a.m. ET
• DSL Miami vs. DSL Arizona Black, 11:00 a.m. ET

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