Marlins Spring Training Journal: Matt Mervis homers, Edward Cabrera struggles

JUPITER, FL—The Miami Marlins and Washington Nationals were the last two MLB teams to hit home runs this spring. They made up for lost time on Tuesday by going deep three times apiece as the Nationals won by a final score of 14-7.

Matt Mervis got the party started in the bottom of the second inning against veteran right-hander Trevor Williams. With an exit velocity of 108.6 mph, it was the hardest-hit ball by any Marlins player in a spring training game thus far. That's exactly what Miami had in mind when acquiring the first baseman in an offseason trade from the Chicago Cubs.

Back in 2022, Mervis was one of the top home run hitters in the minor leagues. The Marlins are buying low on him coming off a down year where he was limited to 81 Triple-A games and nine MLB games due to a broken hamate bone. Splitting time at first base and DH, he should have an opportunity to get more consistent playing time to establish himself than he previously did with the Cubs.

Meanwhile, the competition continues for spots in the Marlins' Opening Day outfield. In addition to returning players Dane Myers, Derek Hill, Griffin Conine and Kyle Stowers, non-roster invitees Albert Almora Jr. and Heriberto Hernández could also be in the mix depending on how camp plays out.

"I'm not even thinking about that," said Hill. "I'm just going out and playing baseball. Whatever happens, happens and leave it up to the man upstairs."

Hill, who played in 32 games this past season for the Marlins, hit his first home run of the spring off of reliever Colin Poche. His ability to play center field—he started there on Tuesday—and the fact that he's out of minor league options help his case.

"He's got some real power and our hitting guys have been very excited with the work they've been doing with Derek," said manager Clayton McCullough.

Edward Cabrera has historically done well in spring training games, entering Tuesday with a career 1.67 ERA in 27 Grapefruit League innings. It was a different story against Washington as he allowed three earned runs off of four hits and generated only two whiffs.

Even so, McCullough was pleased that Cabrera landed 15 of his 21 pitches for strikes (71.4%). The right-hander's velocity was impressive as usual, topping out at 98.3 mph.

"The focus here going out is just trying to get count leverage as much as you can," McCullough said. "He did that some today. Clipped one ball hard, but I think it was nice to see him be able to get some secondary pitches in the strike zone. He got his count up there, got his work in and it was good. All in all, from what he's been doing, good first step."

Joe Mack has gotten off to a great start. Fish On First's number 11 prospect reached base safely in each of his first four spring training plate appearances before grounding out to end Tuesday's contest. He has yet to whiff at a single pitch.

"Has had a great, great camp," said McCullough. "Joe Mack is a talented player. Big season last year. We think a lot of him. With the opportunities he's gotten, he's like looked very comfortable, he's looked calm. Swung the bat very well and he's fit in very well, too. He feels confident, like he feels comfortable in the clubhouse."

Notes

- Deyvison De Los Santos, who made his first start of the spring at first base, went 0-for-2 with a strikeout.

- Andrew Pintar, who the Marlins acquired in the A.J. Puk trade, hit his first home run of the spring. He's a versatile outfielder who started the first spring game of the season and entered late into the game on Tuesday.

- Reliever Josh Ekness made his spring debut and struck out two in his inning of work.

- Andrew Nardi (lower back inflammation) went through a recovery day after beginning to play catch on Monday. He will continue his throwing progression.

Up Next

The Marlins will welcome the New York Mets on Wednesday for a 1:10 pm first pitch. Max Meyer will take the mound for Miami in what will be his first start of the spring. He is expected to go only one inning, just like all other Marlins starters have so far.

Cal Quantrill will make his Marlins spring debut on Thursday against the St. Louis Cardinals.