Ely Sussman

Relive all of the ups and downs of the 2023 Miami Marlins with our Fish On First Season Review, containing detailed articles about a wide variety of players. The FOF staff analyzes the individual impact that each of them had and what it means for their future with the organization. This installment focuses on right-handed reliever Matt Barnes. 2023 TimelineJanuary 30—acquired via trade along with cash from the Boston Red Sox in exchange for Richard BleierApril 1—made Marlins debut (1.0 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K)June 2—placed on injured list with left hip impingementJune 27—began minor league rehab assignmentJuly 4—scratched from scheduled rehab appearanceJuly 13—announced that he and wife Chelsea are expecting a child in January 2024 (it's a boy, they later added)July 25—underwent season-ending left hip femoral acetabular impingement surgerySeason stats: 24 G/1 GS, 21.1 IP, 5.48 ERA, 4.15 FIP, 1.64 WHIP, 0.1 fWAR (age 33) The Marlins recognized that they needed to do something during the 2022-23 offseason to change the composition of their bullpen. They pounced when the Red Sox designated Matt Barnes for assignment, seeing plenty of bounce-back potential in the former All-Star and World Series champion. Coming off his least effective Marlins campaign, lefty Richard Bleier went the other way in the trade, and Boston even included enough cash to bridge the gap between their salaries. Creative thinking, but it turned out to be a lose-lose transaction. Rookie manager Skip Schumaker did not name a traditional closer during 2023 spring training. Rather, the Marlins planned to mix-and-match their way through high-leverage situations. Barnes would be among those considered for save opportunities, Schumaker said. Barnes, who had 47 career saves in Boston, did not add to that total this season. He was mainly utilized in the sixth, seventh and eighth innings. He even "opened" a game for the Marlins on May 6, his first start since 2015. On the few occasions that he pitched in the ninth, the Fish were trailing by multiple runs. Barnes didn't miss enough bats to earn Schumaker's trust—he set a new career low in whiff rate. Prior to 2022, Barnes had struck out 31.0% of opposing batters in his MLB career, an elite mark. That plummeted below the league average to 19.3% during his final Red Sox season. Barnes only improved slightly in that department as a Marlin, to 20.2%. Declining fastball velocity made it more difficult for Barnes to generate swinging strikes. Accustomed to sitting in the mid-to-high 90s, his average velo dipped to 93.4 miles per hour this season. Opponents posted a .395 batting average against his four-seamer. Barnes added a splitter to his pitch mix, as explained on , but used it only 6.0% of the time. To be clear, though, the main issue was not Barnes' performance: it was his lack of availability. Entering May 21, he owned a solid 3.44 earned run average through 19 appearances. Then he slipped on the mound at San Francisco's Oracle Park (h/t MLB.com's Christina De Nicola) and never got back to full strength. In Barnes' final game before landing on the IL (June 1 vs. the Padres), he allowed five earned runs while recording only one out. That inflated his ERA to 5.48, his worst-ever mark for a single season. Barnes continued to spend a lot of time around the team following his hip surgery, though it's unlikely that he would've been able to pitch no matter how deep they advanced into the postseason. Highlights/Lowlightshttps://mlb-cuts-diamond.mlb.com/FORGE/2023/2023-04/29/250f1b46-d57f608b-823af451-csvm-diamondx64-asset_1280x720_59_16000K.mp4Barnes records hold vs. Cubs (4/29/23)https://mlb-cuts-diamond.mlb.com/FORGE/2023/2023-06/01/b2364af1-da887e80-9a6dc84b-csvm-diamondx64-asset_1280x720_59_16000K.mp4Padres put up crooked number vs. Barnes in final 2023 appearance (6/1/23)https://www.instagram.com/p/Cx3GoPuu5uW/?hl=enFuture with the MarlinsBarnes' contract comes with a club option for the 2024 season. According to Cot's Contracts, the value of that option rose from $8 million to $9 million based on games finished. Either way, that's a steep price for a 33-year-old middle reliever, especially for a team like the Marlins preparing to spend on hitters at several positions and a starting pitcher to fill Sandy Alcantara's shoes. Expect them to pay his $2.75 million buyout instead. It is still possible that the Marlins bring Barnes back on a cheaper one-year deal, but he will have the freedom to negotiate with other teams in free agency once that option gets declined. Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images

Sunday's GamesRostering eight Marlins prospects, the Peoria Javelinas (5-0-1) have been the Arizona Fall League's best team through one week of action. The team's hitters boast a collective .326/.436/.498 slash line (an annual reminder that the AFL is an extreme hitter-friendly environment). Check out their updated stats and highlights here.Elsewhere around the majors, Pablo López pitched incredibly (7.0 IP, 6 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 7 K) to lead the Twins to a series-tying victory over the Astros. Carlos Correa drove in three runs against his former club. In the highest-scoring game of the postseason so far, the Rangers extended their Wild Card Series lead over the Orioles to 2-0. Texas drew 11 walks, three of which loaded the bases for Mitch Garver, whose grand slam broke the game wide open. Braves right-hander Kyle Wright, who spent most of 2023 on the injured list, is likely to miss all of 2024 following shoulder surgery.We’ve got a new Marlins Jeopardy edition of Fish On First LIVE streaming tonight at 7:00 p.m. ET on /Twitch/Twitter. Thanks to Sean Millerick, Romeo Rodriguez and Alex for submitting audience questions. 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! https://fishonfirst.com/la-pop/Both of the National League Division Series matchups resume tonight, with the favored Braves and Dodgers seeking bounce-back wins after being outscored 14-2 in their respective series openers.Our 2023 Marlins Season Review series has recently covered Sandy Alcantara and Matt Barnes. Check back daily for more articles from the FOF staff.Jon Jay "drew rave reviews" in his debut season as Marlins first base coach, per Bob Nightengale of USA Today, and could be a candidate for managerial vacancies this offseason. The Marlins are "saddened and heartbroken" about the war that has broken out in recent days between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas. "We stand in solidarity with our South Florida community and the people of Israel for an end to terrorism and we pray for peace," the statement reads.Voting for the 2023 Hank Aaron Award remains open through Friday. Luis Arraez is among the National League nominees.Photo by Noah Berger/Fish On First

Relive all of the ups and downs of the 2023 Miami Marlins with our Fish On First Season Review, containing detailed articles about a wide variety of players. The FOF staff analyzes the individual impact that each of them had and what it means for their future with the organization. This installment focuses on right-handed pitcher Sandy Alcantara. 2023 TimelineMarch 11—pitched for Dominican Republic in the World Baseball ClassicApril 22—missed start due to right biceps tendinitisSeptember 6—placed on injured list with right forearm flexor strain; diagnosis later revised to right UCL sprainSeptember 21—pitched four scoreless innings in rehab start with Triple-A JacksonvilleSeptember 23—announced that he's been shut down for the rest of the season after experiencing forearm tightnessOctober 6—underwent Tommy John surgerySeason stats: 28 G/28 GS, 184.2 IP, 4.14 ERA, 4.03 FIP, 1.21 WHIP, 2.9 fWAR (age 27) From start to finish, Sandy Alcantara's year was frustrating. Alcantara was so proud to represent his native Dominican Republic in the WBC, conveniently being hosted at LoanDepot Park. The reigning NL Cy Young award winner was deservedly selected to start their opening game and projected to pitch as many as three times if they reached the championship game (as they were favored to do). Instead, the D.R. was the tournament's biggest disappointment, losing his lone outing and failing to advance beyond pool play. In his 2023 Marlins debut, Alcantara had poor control and recorded only two strikeouts. He would rebound impressively with a shutout against the Minnesota Twins, just to get annihilated by the Philadelphia Phillies in his following start (9 ER in 4.0 IP). That kind of inconsistency permeated throughout the majority his season, not just from game to game but even inning to inning. Alcantara would sometimes hit a wall going the third time through an opposing lineup. In other cases, he'd allow a crooked number early before cruising the rest of the way. There was no obvious button to press to restore him to ace status. Just like in 2022, Alcantara threw exclusively to Jacob Stallings. They stuck with a familiar pitch selection strategy this season, aspiring to be unpredictable by using sinkers, changeups, four-seam fastballs and sliders each at least 20% of the time. A lot of Alcantara's regression can be attributed to his changeup. It went from MLB's best offspeed weapon (plus-24 run value, per Baseball Savant) to a below-average offering (minus-4). He threw it with slightly less velocity and generated slightly less movement. It limited his effectiveness against left-handed batters in particular. After recording 78 strikeouts on his cambio in 2022, that total plunged to 37 in 2023. Alcantara's 2022 Statcast percentile rankings | Baseball SavantAlcantara's 2023 Statcast percentile rankings | Baseball SavantAlcantara's earned run average continued to float around 5.00 deep into June, though plain ol' bad luck was exaggerating the severity of his struggles. He delivered two more complete games over his final 13 starts and didn't allow more than four earned runs in any of those 13, finishing with a 108 ERA+ (8% better than league average). Alcantara's efficiency and stamina benefited the rest of Miami's pitching staff. Prior to the UCL injury, he was once again vying for the major league lead in innings pitched. The Marlins needed their relievers to be sharp in high-leverage situations to repeatedly protect narrow leads. With Alcantara providing so much length every fifth game, they could get sufficient rest. Alcantara says he noticed his injury at the end of his Sept. 3 start against the Washington Nationals. After a brief rest period, the Marlins gradually began ramping him up again. Despite positive results in his Sept. 21 rehab start, it was uncomfortable to watch—his velocity was down and he had changed the shape of his breaking ball. Valiant effort, but Alcantara and the Marlins determined that the best path forward was going under the knife. Highlights/Lowlightshttps://mlb-cuts-diamond.mlb.com/FORGE/2023/2023-04/04/45713d00-e01cbe93-526ab78a-csvm-diamondx64-asset_1280x720_59_16000K.mp4Complete game vs. Twins (4/4/23)https://mlb-cuts-diamond.mlb.com/FORGE/2023/2023-07/26/0bcf6847-391cbd74-6414e537-csvm-diamondx64-asset_1280x720_59_16000K.mp4Complete game vs. Rays (7/26/23)https://mlb-cuts-diamond.mlb.com/FORGE/2023/2023-08/12/cab57eca-644870b9-df901def-csvm-diamondx64-asset_1280x720_59_16000K.mp4Complete game vs. Yankees (8/12/23) Future with the MarlinsIf not for a contract extension signed two years ago, Sandy Alcantara's Marlins tenure would likely be over. He was originally due to enter free agency after the 2024 season. Assuming no dramatic setbacks during rehab, he would've been in line to receive offers akin to Justin Verlander when Verlander was in the same situation: two-year, $50 million guarantee with an opt out after the first year. I can't imagine the thrifty Marlins winning that bidding war. Thankfully for all involved, he's locked up through 2026 with a club option for 2027. That extension was derided as obscenely team-friendly at the time, but seeing MLB's ultimate workhorse succumb to Tommy John is a reminder of how prevalent elbow injuries have become for pitchers, and why it's tempting to secure a lifetime of riches while you can. I'm sure Alcantara and his loved ones are grateful to have $45.9 million on the way over the next three-plus seasons regardless of what his post-TJ career looks like. Alcantara says he plans to "be around the team as much as possible" in 2024 when his rehab schedule allows. The Marlins hope to get a mostly full season of him as a starter in 2025. Photo by Danis Sosa/Fish On First

Marlins Podcast Episodes Friday’s AFL/winter ball notes: The Peoria Javelinas remained undefeated (4-0-1) despite a mediocre debut from RHP Gabe Bierman (2.2 IP, 5 H, 2 ER, 3 BB, 2 K, 76 pitches/44 strikes). RHP Zach McCambley recorded four outs in relief of him. IF Nasim Nunez went 2-for-5 with a stolen base and C Paul McIntosh went 1-for-4.The internet's only Marlins fall/winter ball tracker lives here! We're monitoring 11 names so far and expecting several others to be active in international leagues as the offseason progresses.https://fishonfirst.com/news/marlins-fall-winter-ball-tracker-2023/Sandy's Beach will be closed in 2024. A month after being placed on the injured list with a UCL sprain and two weeks after feeling discomfort during a minor league rehab start, Sandy Alcantara underwent Tommy John surgery. The procedure was done by Dr. Keith Meister. who is second only to James Andrews in total TJ surgeries completed on baseball players. In his statement, Alcantara singled out Jesús (Luzardo), Eury (Pérez), Edward (Cabrera), (Braxton) Garrett and Trevor (Rogers) as teammates he's confident will "hold down the fort" in the Marlins rotation during his recovery. Two years ago, Alcantara signed what seemed like a very team-friendly contract extension (five years, $56 million with a club option), but it must be a relief to he and his loved ones to know they are financially secure regardless of how he performs post-surgery.Nice to see Alcantara gassing up his teammates, but the Marlins will inevitably have to acquire veteran starting pitching help from outside the organization if they are to be taken seriously as a postseason contender. Only Luzardo, Pérez and Garrett should be considered rotation locks.MLB Trade Rumors projects 2024 salaries for all 13 arbitration-eligible Marlins players. Luis Arraez ($10.8M), Jesús Luzardo ($5.9M) and Tanner Scott ($5.8M) account for the majority of the total cost. Jacob Stallings ($3.6M) is in danger of being non-tendered, especially in light of the Alcantara news (Stallings caught all of his starts over the last two seasons).Luis Arraez has been nominated for the 2023 Hank Aaron Award, recognizing each league's best overall offensive performer. Vote for him through October 13.Elsewhere around the majors, Billy Eppler resigned as Mets general manager amid an MLB investigation into the team's improper use of the injured list. David Stearns recently supplanted Eppler as the Mets' lead baseball operations decision-maker. All four of the Division Series matchups get underway today.We are collecting your trivia questions about the 2023 season for a new Marlins Jeopardy edition of Fish On First LIVE. 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!https://fishonfirst.com/marlins-jeopardy/https://fishonfirst.com/la-pop/Noah Berger went around the Marlins clubhouse asking players for their favorite moments from the 2023 season.https://fishonfirst.com/at-the-ballpark/2023-favorite-marlins-moments-player-quotes/As Glenn Geffner mentions on View from the Bleachers, Ryan Weathers and Max Meyer are notable wild cards on the 2024 rotation depth chart. "The acquisition of impact starting pitching must be high on the Marlins’ list of off-season priorities," he writes.On this day 20 years ago, Mike Lowell's extra-inning, pinch-hit home run gave the Marlins a 1-0 NLCS lead.Within Jon Greenberg's oral history of the 2003 Cubs, there is of course a section about NLCS Game 6 and Steve Bartman. "There was like zero effect in our dugout," Todd Hollandsworth says. "We didn’t have replay the way that we have it today where you’d be watching that replay in your dugout." The former Cubs interviewed for the piece agree that the series-altering Marlins rally wasn't Bartman's fault.Happy 26th birthday to Jesús Sánchez. Despite opening the regular season in a bench role, Sánchez went on to establish new career highs in games played (125), batting average (.253), on-base percentage (.327) and fWAR (1.3) as Miami's primary right fielder.Photo by Jasen Vinlove/Miami Marlins

Wednesday's Gameshttps://fishonfirst.com/game-coverage/marlins-phillies-nlwcs-10-4-23/https://mlb-cuts-diamond.mlb.com/FORGE/2023/2023-10/04/675e54fd-c6bf97c5-19a2c34c-csvm-diamondx64-asset_1280x720_59_16000K.mp4Marlins Podcast Episodes Wednesday's AFL/winter ball notes: RHP Ike Buxton picked up the win in his fall league debut (4.0 IP, 4 H, 1 ER, 2 BB, 6 K, 1 HR, 76 pitches/43 strikes) and 3B Jacob Berry went 3-for-4 with a double and a walk. IF Nasim Nuñez also started for Peoria (at second base) and LHP Dale Stanavich recorded five outs in relief. It's over for the 2023 Marlins, as Noah Berger bluntly put it. They were outscored 11-2 by the Phillies during the NL Wild Card Series, with Wednesday's lone run coming in the lowest-leverage situation possible. Aaron Nola was very good, but not that good—his success was largely a reflection of the Marlins' offensive deficiencies. Jon Berti was the only Marlin to reach base safely multiple times and he squandered one of those opportunities by getting picked off. The dagger was a Bryson Stott grand slam off of Andrew Nardi, who had held lefty batters to a .158./.247/.303 this season.This team won't look the same in 2024. Potential free agents include general manager Kim Ng (though it'd be baffling if the Marlins failed to reach a new deal with her), David Robertson, Yuli Gurriel, Joey Wendle, Johnny Cueto ($10.5M club option), Matt Barnes ($8M club option), Josh Bell ($16.5M player option) and Jorge Soler ($13M player option). Also, in my opinion, Avisaíl García is an obvious candidate to be released despite two years remaining on his underwater contract. "A short stay in October shouldn’t detract from what the Marlins improbably achieved this season or from the hope that better days lie ahead," writes Glenn Geffner. Bally Sports Florida announcer Paul Severino described the season as "a step forward or two."The September 28 Marlins vs. Mets game that was suspended due to the rain (and ultimately proved to be inconsequential) has been ruled a 1-0 Marlins loss. The runs scored in the top of the ninth that put the Marlins ahead 2-1 could not be counted because the Mets didn't have the chance to respond. Let the record show that the Marlins had a 84-78 record in 2023, the fifth-best single-season performance in franchise history. Elsewhere around the majors, every other Wild Card Series matchup also ended in a sweep. It's only natural to see the Diamondbacks upset the Brewers and wonder if the Marlins could've done the same had they been the National League's sixth seed instead of the fifth seed. Even before the series result, the D-backs extended GM Mike Hazen through the 2028 season.The full list of 2023 Marlins Minor League All-Stars is out with the news that IF Xavier Edwards and RHP Anthony Maldonado both earned selections in the Triple-A International League.The Fish On First staff now pivots to season review content. From now through mid-November, we will be analyzing all of the key players and themes of the just-completed campaign.If you valued FOF's Marlins coverage during this thrilling season, please consider becoming a Super Subscriber! We reward your support with year-round perks. You could also make a one-time donation below.Make a one-time donationYour contribution is appreciated. DonateMake a monthly donationYour contribution is appreciated. Donate monthlyMake a yearly donationYour contribution is appreciated. Donate yearlyPhoto courtesy of Miami Marlins

A loss to the Philadelphia Phillies in Game 2 of the NL Wild Card Series brought the 2023 Miami Marlins season to an abrupt end. Ely Sussman, Kevin Barral, Alex Carver, Alex Krutchik and Louis Addeo-Weiss discuss the key moments and decisions that made the difference in Game 2 and what to watch for during the rest of this MLB postseason and the ensuing winter. Subscribe to the Fish On First YouTube channel to watch video versions of every episode of The Offishial Show. The biggest questions facing the Fish during the 2023-24 offseason include the status of Kim Ng as general manager, the possible departures of Jorge Soler and Josh Bell via free agency (both can opt out of their contracts) and whether or not Sandy Alcantara requires Tommy John surgery on his injured UCL. Merely "running it back" with the same faces isn't an option for the Marlins if they have aspirations of returning to the postseason. It's frankly miraculous that they made it this far despite scoring the fewest runs in the National League. Even if high-leverage relief, clutch hitting and tactical decision-making prove to be strengths of the team again, it's unrealistic for them to replicate their extraordinary 2023 success in close games. The shortstop and catcher positions in particular are glaring weaknesses, and free agency and the trade market are both thin on satisfying solutions. Assuming that Ng remains in place, she'll once again need to get creative. Follow Ely (@RealEly), Kevin (@kevin_barral), Alex C. (@marlinsminors), Alex K. (@AlexKrutchikFOF), Louis (@addeo_louis00) and Fish On First (@FishOnFirst) on Twitter. Complete Miami Marlins coverage here at FishOnFirst.com. Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images Our Fish On First podcast programming includes The Offishial Show, Fish Unfiltered, State of the Fish, Swimming Upstream, Fishology and What a Relief. All new episodes are posted to FishOnFirst.com/podcasts. You can subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, Podbean, Megaphone or wherever you normally get your pods from.

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Tuesday's Gameshttps://fishonfirst.com/game-coverage/wheeler-stymies-miamis-bats-phils-take-game-1/https://mlb-cuts-diamond.mlb.com/FORGE/2023/2023-10/03/85cf3de2-67b18364-7798c507-csvm-diamondx64-asset_1280x720_59_16000K.mp4Marlins Podcast Episodes Tuesday's AFL/winter ball notes: Making their Arizona Fall League debuts, SS Nasim Nuñez went 0-for-2 with two walks a stolen base, while C Paul McIntosh went 1-for-4 with a walk and caught a shutout.Inefficient start for Jesús Luzardo in Game 1 (4.0 IP, 8 H, 3 ER, 0 BB, 5 K, 90 pitches/54 strikes). Although he didn't issue any walks or hit-by-pitches, control was an issue—too many non-competitive balls in the dirt. In relief of Luzardo, A.J. Puk, George Soriano, Huascar Brazoban and Steven Okert each made their postseason debuts, going one inning apiece.The bigger issue for the Marlins was their lack of production against Zack Wheeler. No runners in scoring position until the seventh inning! The only run they pushed across was manufactured with the help of two infield singles.Josh Bell was a bright spot in the loss. All four of his plate appearances ended in batted balls with exit velocities north of 100 miles per hour.Elsewhere around the majors, Pablo López (5.2 IP, 5 H, 1 ER, 2 BB, 3 K) came up huge for the Twins to snap their 18-game postseason losing streak. The Rays committed four errors and drew fewer than 20,000 fans in a shutout loss to the Rangers. Six Diamondbacks relievers combined for 6 ⅓ scoreless innings in a comeback win over the favored Brewers.The latest previewed the NL Wild Card Series, including what to expect from Aaron Nola tonight. 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! https://fishonfirst.com/la-pop/The Marlins, Rays, Blue Jays and Brewers face elimination today. Every member of the Marlins bullpen should be available if needed. Tanner Scott, Andrew Nardi and David Robertson have each had three days' rest since their last appearances. FanGraphs gives them a 47.0% chance to win Game 2.In case you missed it, here are the rosters being used by the Marlins and Phillies in this series. Per our own Isaac Azout, Bryan Hoeing is expected to be added to the roster if Miami advances to the NLDS.ESPN's Xuan Thai reports on Kim Ng's journey to becoming a general manager with insight from many of the people who've worked for her along the way.On this day 20 years ago, Jeff Conine and Pudge Rodriguez connected on a dramatic play at home plate to record the final out of the NLDS. Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images

A loss to the Philadelphia Phillies in Game 1 of the NL Wild Card Series sets up a must-win Game 2 for the Miami Marlins. Ely Sussman, Kevin Barral, Alex Carver and Isaac Azout discuss the key moments and decisions that made the difference in Game 1 and what needs to change on Wednesday for the Fish to keep their season alive. Subscribe to the Fish On First YouTube channel to watch video versions of every episode of The Offishial Show. Probable starting pitchers for Game 2 are Braxton Garrett and Aaron Nola. Skip Schumaker refrained from using his most trusted relievers in Game 1, so Tanner Scott, Andrew Nardi and David Robertson should be relied upon heavily once Garrett exits. The Marlins have never lost a first-round postseason series before, advancing to the NLDS in 2020 and winning championships in both 1997 and 2003. Follow Ely (@RealEly), Kevin (@kevin_barral), Alex (@marlinsminors), Isaac (@IsaacAzout) and Fish On First (@FishOnFirst) on Twitter. Complete Miami Marlins coverage here at FishOnFirst.com. Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images Our Fish On First podcast programming includes The Offishial Show, Fish Unfiltered, State of the Fish, Swimming Upstream, Fishology and What a Relief. All new episodes are posted to FishOnFirst.com/podcasts. You can subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, Podbean, Megaphone or wherever you normally get your pods from.

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In advance of Tuesday's Game 1, the Miami Marlins and Philadelphia Phillies have settled on the 26 players who'll represent them in the 2023 NL Wild Card Series. Barring injuries, these are the rosters tasked with getting them to the next round. Marlins RosterPitchers (12): RHP Huascar Brazoban, RHP Edward Cabrera, RHP JT Chargois, LHP Braxton Garrett (Game 2 SP), LHP Jesús Luzardo (Game 1 SP), LHP Andrew Nardi, LHP Steven Okert, LHP A.J. Puk, RHP David Robertson, LHP Tanner Scott, RHP George Soriano and LHP Ryan Weathers Catchers (2): Nick Fortes and Jacob Stallings Infielders (8): Luis Arraez, Josh Bell, Jon Berti, Jake Burger, Xavier Edwards, Yuli Gurriel, Garrett Hampson and Joey Wendle Outfielders (4): Jazz Chisholm Jr., Bryan De La Cruz, Jesús Sánchez and Jorge Soler (DH) The only difference between the final roster and what we projected is the inclusion of Weathers over Johnny Cueto. Weathers just threw 99 pitches in Sunday's series finale, ruling him out for at least Game 1 if not Game 2 as well, while Cueto is fully rested and brings ample postseason experience. After showing flashes of his former self in July upon returning from the injured list, Cueto quietly sucked for the final two months, most notably allowing 13 home runs in 36 ⅓ innings. He also had a nightmare inning against this Phillies lineup on September 9, sweating his way through 50 pitches. Perhaps that memory was fresh in the mind of Marlins decision-makers. Weathers is the youngest player on Miami's roster for this series (turns 24 in December). There was never a doubt that Arraez (left ankle sprain) would make the roster. The question is how close is he to full strength and will he be able to play a full nine innings in the field. I want to highlight Bell because of his fascinating history against Philly's probable starting pitchers. He's got incredible numbers off of Wheeler (.323/.364/.645 in 33 PA) and incredibly bad ones off of Nola (.160/.192/.320 in 26 PA). Phillies RosterPitchers (12): LHP José Alvarado, RHP Seranthony Domínguez, RHP Jeff Hoffman, RHP Orion Kerkering, RHP Craig Kimbrel, RHP Aaron Nola (Game 2 SP), LHP Cristopher Sánchez, LHP Gregory Soto, LHP Matt Strahm, LHP Ranger Suárez, RHP Taijuan Walker and RHP Zack Wheeler (Game 1 SP) Catchers (2): J.T. Realmuto and Garrett Stubbs Infielders (6): Alec Bohm, Bryce Harper, Edmundo Sosa, Bryson Stott, Trea Turner and Weston Wilson Outfielders (6): Nick Castellanos, Jake Cave, Brandon Marsh, Cristian Pache, Johan Rojas and Kyle Schwarber (DH) The most notable omission is right-hander Michael Lorenzen, the All-Star trade deadline pick-up. He shoved against the Marlins in his Phillies debut, then tossed a no-hitter in his next start. After that, however, Lorenzen posted an 8.01 earned run average (30.1 IP) and ultimately shifted to a relief role. Every player here has some head-to-head history playing against the Marlins with the exception of rookies Kerkering and Wilson. Kerkering is a 2022 draft pick who ascended through the Phillies organization rapidly, leaning heavily on a nasty sweeper. It has accounted for 85% of his total pitches since debuting last month. Wilson had a 31 HR/32 SB season in Triple-A (116 wRC+). Photo courtesy of Miami Marlins