Offishial news, 7/19/23: Playoff spot temporarily slips away; Cabrera impresses in return

Today's Marlins news roundup also includes another critical mistake by the often-steady A.J. Puk.

Tuesday's Games

Marlins Podcast Episodes

• Tuesday's Marlins MiLB Notes: C Austin Allen (Jacksonville) played first base for the first time all season. In the first game of his minor league rehab assignment, Avisaíl García went 0-for-3 with a run scored as the Blue Wahoos designated hitter. 1B Troy Johnston made the difference in Pensacola's victory by driving in five runs; in doing so, he became the team's all-time single-season RBI leader (77). LHP Josh Simpson (Jupiter) should be nearing a return to Triple-A after authoring two scoreless innings in his latest rehab appearance. Florida State League MVP candidate (if there is such a thing) 1B Torin Montgomery went 3-for-4 with a walk and a stolen base.

• Excellent job by Edward Cabrera in his return to the Marlins rotation (5.0 IP, 2 H, 1 ER, 3 BB, 6 K, 1 H, 74 pitches/44 strikes). His control was suspect in the beginning and his night ended on a sour note by allowing a game-tying home run to Brendan Donovan, but everything in between was encouraging. If the Marlins temporarily stick with a four-man rotation, Cabrera's next scheduled start would be at home against the Rockies on Sunday.

• For the third time in July, A.J. Puk yielded a devastating two-out, go-ahead home run (this time of the walk-off variety). Meanwhile, Tanner Scott has seized the team lead among relievers (min. 10 appearances) in ERA, FIP and WPA.

• For the first time since early June, the Marlins enter play without holding a National League playoff spot. The only other teams that remain winless since the All-Star break are the Reds and Pirates.

• Elsewhere around the majors, the Braves extended backup catcher Travis d'Arnaud for an additional year, guaranteeing his $8 million club option for 2024 and tacking on an identical option for 2025. 'Twas an incredibly high-scoring night with the Braves, Diamondbacks, Mets, Dodgers, Royals, Cubs, White Sox Reds, Giants, Twins and Guardians each blasting off for double-digit runs. Just like the Padres, the D-backs are now having their locally televised games produced and distributed by Major League Baseball after their Bally Sports affiliate fell behind on payments.

• The Marlins have a 47.3% chance to win their series finale against the Cardinals, per FanGraphs. Double-A Pensacola (7:35 p.m. ET) and High-A Beloit (7:35 p.m. ET) are at home, while Triple-A Jacksonville (7:35 p.m. ET) and Low-A Jupiter (6:35 p.m. ET) are on the road.

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• The Just Baseball Show selects Sandy Alcantara, Bryan De La Cruz and A.J. Puk as x-factors for the Marlins moving forward.

• Fun, brief interview with RHP Noble Meyer in which he demonstrates his pitch grips and explains why it's important to him to limit walks.

• Marlins Historian asks what you think is the best shorthand name for LoanDepot Park.

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