Can Marlins end Citrus Series suffering?

On Monday down on the farm, FCL Marlins won, 4-3. Another scoreless start for LHP Luis Cesar (5.0 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 2 K). Hopefully everything's okay with 1B Julio Henriquez—the 19-year-old right-handed hitter was removed from the game after three innings. The Dominican Summer League season is underway. DSL Marlins lost, 6-0. Two-way player Janero Miller served as designated hitter. It'll be interesting to follow his usage after splitting time last season between DH and pitching (and not being particularly effective in either role). DSL Miami won, 11-9. The star of the day was OF José Castro (FOF #28 prospect), who went 2-for-3 with a home run and two walks in his professional debut. INF Breyias Dean went 4-for-5 with 3 RBI.

Here's more Marlins news and content for you:

🔷 There are 10 National League teams below the .500 mark! I briefly pondered whether the Marlins would still be competitively relevant and part of the league's jumbled middle here in early June had they not been so eager to initiate a rebuild.

🔷 Woo-Suk Go remains in DFA limbo. His fate will be determined by Thursday at the latest.

🔷 Ben Badler of Baseball America did a thorough review of the Marlins' 2024 international signing class, with glowing reports about OF Luis Cova (FOF #6) and RHP José Paulino, who is "the hardest throwing pitcher any team signed in 2024," already topping out at 99 mph at age 17.

🔷 Just Baseball's updated MLB Top 100 prospects list includes four Marlins: RHP Noble Meyer (No. 48), LHP Thomas White (No. 70), OF Dillon Head (No. 88) and RHP Max Meyer (No. 94).

🔷 Ted Schwerzler of Twins Daily contemplates a Jesús Luzardo trade package centered around infielder Brooks Lee. 

🔷 On this day in 2019, the Marlins set a team record with an 11-run fifth inning in Milwaukee. Even JT Riddle and Pablo López had hits during the rally.

🔷 Join us for a new episode of Fish On First LIVE tonight from 5:30-6:30 p.m. ET on YouTube/Twitter/Facebook.  Special guest: @Sean Millerick. FOF LIVE is presented by Berger & Hicks. If you’ve been injured as a result of somebody else’s negligence, give them a call at (305) 670-7050. 

🔷 Elsewhere around baseball, Padres infielder Tucupita Marcano is under investigation by Major League Baseball for betting on baseball while a member of the Pirates. Speaking of the Padres, Luis Arraez is day-to-day with right shoulder soreness. He's expected to avoid an IL stint. In his absence, San Diego lost to the Angels on Monday.

🔷 Today's MLB game: the Citrus Series begins with the Marlins (probable starter LHP Jesús Luzardo) hosting the Rays (RHP Ryan Pepiot). The Rays have had the head-to-head advantage over Miami in each of the last five seasons. One of Tampa Bay's best hitters during the 2023 season, outfielder Josh Lowe has just been reinstated from the injured list. Christian Bethancourt is likely to come back from the bereavement list this afternoon, replacing Jhonny Pereda. The Marlins have a 49.4% chance to win, per FanGraphs. First pitch at 6:40 p.m.

🔷 Today's MiLB schedule:

• Triple-A Jacksonville at Charlotte, 6:35 p.m. ET
• Double-A Pensacola vs. Mississippi, 7:05 p.m. ET
• High-A Beloit vs. Lake County, 7:35 p.m. ET
• Low-A Jupiter at Lakeland, 6:30 p.m. ET
• DSL Marlins at DSL Mets Blue, 11:00 a.m. ET
• DSL Miami vs. DSL Phillies Red, 11:00 a.m. ET

Marlins podcast episodes