Edward Cabrera on the luckier side vs. Cardinals, extends walk-less streak

JUPITER, FL—The first start of the spring training for Edward Cabrera on February 25 proved a mixed bag. 

Looking at the glass half full, Nationals' hitters only had an average exit velocity of 85.4 mph in his one inning of work that day. On the other hand, that outing still saw him tagged for three runs and four hits.

Fast forward to Sunday, March 2, and Cabrera found himself far more lucky in his second tune-up of camp. Though only allowing one run and two hits in his two innings of work in the Marlins' 5-3 Grapefruit League victory over the Cardinals, St. Louis hitters averaged 94.4 mph off the bat against the 26-year-old. 

"We just believe and trust in the quality of his stuff," noted manager Clayton McCullough.

Encouraging was the quality of Cabrera's stuff, as his sinker topped out at 99, and the right-hander's seemingly improved command. Throwing strikes to six of the eight hitters faced on Sunday, Cabrera has yet to walk a hitter through his first two outings. 

Cabrera had some help behind him courtesy of Jared Serna when the second baseman robbed Nolan Arenado of extra bases with a leaping catch to end the top of the first. Acquired in the trade that sent Jazz Chisholm Jr. to the Yankees last July, Serna has impressed early, hitting .600 with a stolen base and no strikeouts in 8 plate appearances this spring.

Serna also homered off 10-year veteran Steven Matz in his first at-bat of the day.

Miami was aided in the winning effort by additional contributions from the likes of Connor Norby, slated to open the season as the team's everyday third baseman in 2025.

Spring Training Notes

- Catcher Nick Fortes, scratched from Saturday's game with back spasms, is expected to return to the lineup on Monday, per Clayton McCullough. 

- Jonah Bride went 2-for-3, including lacing the team's first triple of the spring in the bottom of the first. 

- Jesús Sánchez made his 2025 debut in center field recording two putouts and driving in a run at the plate on Sunday. McCullough recently noted Sánchez would see some time there during the season. 

Looking Ahead

The Marlins (3-4-1) will continue their Grapefruit League schedule on Monday with a split-squad day.

They host the Astros at Roger Dean with Max Meyer on the mound at 1:10 EST. Then, a separate group of players will meet the Mets for the third time in 2025. Connor Gillispie (0.00 ERA in 2.0 IP) will make his first start of camp for Miami as he faces off against Kodai Senga. First pitch from Clover Park in Port St. Lucie is set for 6:10.