Offishial news, 6/28/23: Sandy's refreshing change; Ohtani's unreal first half

Today's Marlins news roundup also includes the anniversary of an incredible comeback.

Tuesday's Games

Marlins Podcast Episodes

• Tuesday's Marlins MiLB notes: Matt Barnes (FCL Marlins) began a minor league rehab assignment with a scoreless inning. Perhaps another week or so until he's ready to come off the injured list. Jancory De La Cruz (DSL Miami) went 3-for-5 with a home run and Fabian López went 2-for-4 with a stolen base, raising their OPS to .894 and .913, respectively.

• In his return from the IL, Jazz Chisholm Jr. matched a season high by reaching base four times. He got the start in the cleanup spot, which is where the Marlins used him back in early April (despite his objections). As a team, the Marlins compiled a season-high-tying 19 hits and had their largest margin of victory in any road game.

• Sandy Alcantara leaned on his changeup more heavily than he had in any previous 2023 start (36.8% usage) and generated most of his whiffs with it. Sunday's matchup against the Braves in Atlanta figures to be an important test of how close he is to turning the page on his first-half mediocrity.

• After being sworn in to the Presidential Council on Sports, Fitness and Nutrition on Tuesday, Kim Ng participated in her first meeting with the other newly appointed members, per Jordan McPherson of the Miami Herald.

• Elsewhere around the majors, Shohei Ohtani destroyed the White Sox on the mound (6.1 IP, 4 H, 1 ER, 2 BB, 10 K) and at the plate (3-for-3, 2 HR, 2 RBI, 1 BB). Halfway through the Angels' season, he's on pace for 11.4 fWAR and 12.2 bWAR. J.D. Martinez hit his 299th and 300th career home runs. Esteury Ruiz became the first major leaguer to reach 40 stolen bases this season—you'll recall that Jon Berti's 41 steals led MLB in 2022.

• The latest episode of
  covered Chisholm's return, Miami's Futures Game selections and much more. With chiropractic care and functional health, La Pop takes a preventative approach that optimizes wellness and quality of life for all ages. Find out more here!

• The Marlins have a 49.8% chance to win their next game against the Red Sox, per FanGraphs. Right-hander Kaleb Ort is likely to serve as the opener for a Boston bullpen day. Triple-A Jacksonville (7:05 p.m. ET), High-A Beloit (7:35 p.m. ET) and FCL Marlins (12:00 p.m. ET) are at home, while Double-A Pensacola (7:35 p.m. ET) and Low-A Jupiter (6:30 p.m. ET) are on the road.

• Daily Luis Arraez batting average update: he enters today at .399. He doesn't have any substantial history against anybody who could be pitching for the Red Sox tonight. Additionally, Arraez is hitting .366 in road games this season and .399 in night games.

• Phase 2 of MLB All-Star voting continues until Thursday at noon ET. When the latest update was provided on Tuesday, Arraez was leading Ozzie Albies in National League second base voting, 54% to 46%.

• Bobby Nightengale of the Star Tribune talked to former Twins teammates about what makes Arraez so exceptional.

• Glenn Geffner's View from the Bleachers has begun breaking down fans' main reasons for not attending games at LoanDepot Park, including the ballpark's location and lack of public transportation options.

• On this day 20 years ago, the Marlins overcame a seven-run deficit to beat the Red Sox at Fenway Park.

• FOCO released a new Charlie Brown Marlins bobblehead, available to pre-order for $65.

Graphic courtesy of Miami Marlins