Alex Carver

After flying through the minor league system in just four seasons, posting a 231/110 K/BB and a 3.40 ERA, Steve Cishek took over closing duties for the Marlins on a full time basis in 2012. From then until the end of last season, he was as close to a sure thing as the Fish had ever seen in the ninth inning, converting 88 of his 94 save opportunities. At just 29-years-old entering this season, it appeared as though, after some years of searching, the Marlins had found their long-term go to guy in save situations. However, this season, it has all come crumbling down. With his velocity down and his breaking stuff up, Cishek blew three of his first five opportunities. The Fish tried to let Cishek work his issues out on his own but after last night's latest debilitating loss to the Dodgers in which Christian Yelich hit a go-ahead two run homer in the top of the ninth only to have it undone by a walk-off homer given up by their closer, the Marlins have no choice but to take action and remove Cishek from the closing role. For the time being, the Marlins have said they will go with a closer by committee approach with AJ Ramos getting the bulk of the save opportunities. While he has been able to limit long balls in his career, a huge plus for any high leverage situation pitcher, unless he can make a complete turnaround in the amount of walks he gives up per nine innings (5.07), Ramos will come and go as Miami's closer. There have been rumblings that the Fish are interested in Rafael Soriano but at 35 years old, having entered the All-Star break with an ERA under 1.00 only to end the year with it sitting at just about 7.00, and having not pitched since last September, a month in which he blew two of his four save chances, he is far from a sure thing either. So, assuming the current trends continue with Cishek, Ramos and Soriano, where else are the Marlins to look for answers when it comes to a door-slammer? And what is the state of the long term answer to their sudden ninth inning woes? Let's have a look at some options. Carter Capps AAA 2015 Stats: 13 IP, 3 ER, 0 HR, 6.9 BB/9, 8.3 K/9 A highly touted third round draft pick by the Seattle Mariners who had a strong first 18 games in his rookie season, Capps came to the Marlins in return for Logan Morrison after he scuffled a bit during the 2013 season when it came to giving up runs. Despite his struggles with the big boys that year in keeping runs off the board, he struck out 66 in 59 innings. After being sent down at the end of the season, it appears as though Capps was able to figure the rest of his game out between the seven games he tossed for the Mariners' AAA affiliate and the next season's spring campaign. His 2014 regular season numbers defend that assertion. After giving up just two runs and holding down a 2.83 K/BB over 11 innings with the Zephyrs in 2014, Capps got his first shot in a Marlins' uniform. He held down a 2.35 FIP and struck out 25 hitters to just five walks, all but assuring himself a spot in the Miami pen this year. But after an unimpressive spring in which he gave up five runs in just 4.2 IP, Capps was sent back to the minors. His slow start to 2015 has continued with the Zs. Though he has done well in the way of limiting earned runs, he has gotten knocked around to the tune of a 5.5 hits per nine innings. Most alarming, Capps' strikeout numbers are way down and his walk total is high. However, struggling to find a handle on his pitches early on is nothing new for the 24-year-old fireballer. Over his first eight major league games in 2012, Capps posted a 10/6 K/BB only to end that season at the 28/11 mark. Again in 2014, Capps walked six in his first seven games only to end the season at a total of 14 free passes over 27 games at different levels, including the 17 games he spent in the majors. If these two seasons are any indication, Capps, now at 13 IP, is at the mark where he usually turns it on. When he is on, Capps is nearly unhittable and has a perfect closer's makeup. With a fastball sitting consistently at 95 miles per hour and often reaching triple digits and an above-average out pitch slider in the mid-80s, he hides the ball very well and is the physical embodiment of a fan cranked up to the highest setting. While he may be a bit of a risk, he is a much more worth-while risk than the likes of AJ Ramos and Rafael Soriano. If the Fish are willing to take chances like that, they should have no problem giving Capps a look. Nick Wittgren AAA 2015 Stats: 13.2 IP, 3 ER, 2 HR, 1.9 BB/9, 7.6 K/9 Wittgren is a sizeable 6'3" 210 pound country grown righty who comes from quite the pedigree. After attending high school in Louisianna, Wittgren went to Purdue where all he managed to do was strike out 94 batters to just 22 walks, save 22 games, give up just two homers, and post a collective 2.54 ERA over his first two college years. At that point, the Marlins had seen enough to take Wittgren from the Boilermakers at the end of just his junior season. Wittgren has rewarded the Marlins' confidence in his ability by flying through the minor league system in just two seasons. A three pitch pitcher, Wittgren has used a low 90s fastball, a good moving low 80's curve and a a good riding low 80's changeup to stifle opposing hitters to the tune of a 1.061 WHIP and a 5.94 K/BB ratio. Last season in 66 AA innings, Wittgren converted 20 of his 25 save opportunities successfully while holding down a 4.00 K/BB. On the early season this year, Wittgren has struck out 15 and walked just two. While he has given up two long balls in his 12 IP, that can be attributed to the 23-year-old's nerves at the highest level he has ever pitched at. This is the immediate future of the closer role for the Marlins beginning preferably at the beginning of next season once Wittgren has a year of AAA experience under his belt. However, circumstances may call for Wittgren to begin his major league career sooner than that. Stay tuned. Juanctio Martinez A+ 2015 Stats: 17.1 IP, 3 ER, 0 HR, 3.1 BB/9, 11.4 K/9 A one time outfielder who never offered much in the way of offensive production, Martinez made the move to the mound at the end of the 2013 season. Tossing the ball for the first time for short season Batavia, Martinez literally came out of nowhere and just started firing pure heat. Using the same arm that alowed him to collect 18 outfield assists over his first six seasons, the 6'1" 170 pound righty held down a 2.39 FIP, a 3.00 K/BB, and saved six games over his first 28.2 IP. His 33 strikeouts were good enough for sixth on last season's Muckdogs squad even though he tossed at least 11 innings less than all of those ahead of him. His 1.19 WHIP ranked him tenth in the entire New York Penn League. This season, Martinez held down a perfect ERA over his first 12 games and 16 innings before finally having an off night his last time out. Despite the off night last Tuesday, Martinez still holds down a 2.07 FIP and a 22.5 K/BB. His 0.98 WHIP ranks him amongst the Florida State League's best hurlers. The control Martinez possesses for a guy with under 40 innings of work under his belt that nearly touches triple digits on a regular basis is nothing short of remarkable. Should Martinez continue on his current pace, there is no reason why he shouldn't get a look at making his first major league squad in two year's time. For a guy who seemed to be nothing more than a late-inning defensive replacement (if even that) just a year and a half ago, the Marlins have to be thrilled to have brought Martinez's pitching skill out from under the shroud of mediocrity. Remember this name because should he stick with the Marlins, you will be hearing it come up a lot in the future. Andre Rienzo AAA 2015 Stats: 33.2 IP, 11 ER, 3 HR, 2.9 BB/9, 8.6 K/9 Rienzo, a South American export, is a 6'3" 190 pound righty whose major league career got off to a bit of a premature start. Despite only managing to hold down a 4.06 ERA over 46.2 IP in 2013 and having an ill-tasting cup of coffee to end that year in the majors, depth problems caused the White Sox to start Rienzo's clock early and make him part of their 2014 rotation. The 25-year-old received a predictable rude welcome to the majors that season, starting 11 games and getting lit up to the tune of a .275/.356/.463 line against. After being sent back to the minors at the end of 2014, the Marlins targeted Rienzo as a low-risk option and swung a trade with the White Sox for aging reliever Dan Jennings. Since putting on a Marlins uniform, Rienzo has been tossing some of the best baseball of his career so far this season at the back end of the Zephyrs' rotation. He has pitched into the fifth inning in all of his starts and has only given up more than three runs once. Relying more heavily on generating contact rather than Ks, Rienzo is using his breaking pitches a lot more early in counts rather than trying to ramp up his average four seam fastball. It has worked wonders for his game. While inducing 37 ground outs and 53 flyouts through his first 33 innings, Rienzo has held down an ERA under 3. His minuscule line drive rate would suggest that Rienzo has his pitches moving and moving well. Despite all of Rienzo's improvements this season though, it is hard to imagine a guy with a very average low-90's fastball without much command has much of a future as a starter. However, should this version of Rienzo continue to show itself, what he can be is a decent late inning reliever. The fact that Rienzo can induce contact and with it a pluthera of groundballs and flyballs would probably best suit his usefulness for roles in which he inherits runners and gets important inning-ending outs. However, this season, Rienzo has made some good strides in pitching from the windup and is generating enough whiffs with his good offspeed stuff to warrant a look in either the setup or closing roles where his offspeed repertoire would be a good change of pace. It is for that reason that he makes our list of possible candidates. Sean Donatello AA 2015 Stats: 14.2 IP, 5 ER, 2 HR, 2.45 BB/9, 9.20 K/9 A fourth year pro drafted by the Marlins out of Connecticut where he posted an undefeated 20-0 record by giving up just 19 earned runs over 150 innings pitched, Donatello took his first shot at closing games in 2014 and fared pretty well. Though he gave up a heightened amount of hits (10.9 H/9), Donatello limited the amount of runs he allowed to cross, holding his total season FIP under 3. Despite having to deal with the rigors of jumping a level late in the season from A to A+, Donatello's control as well as his whiff rate stuck with him. On the year, he struck out 64 and walked just 10 (6.4 K/BB). Keeping the ball down, he allowed less than one home run per nine innings (0.8). In other words, at 23, despite allowing a bit too much contact, Donatello was everything you can hope for in young closer material. Fast forward to this year. After making another jump, this time to AA Jacksonville, it seems as though Donatello has figured out how to miss bats at a much higher rate. Through his first 15 innings, he has converted 9/10 save opportunities, best in the Southern League, while holding down a 1.02 WHIP. The most encouraging stat Donatello is holding on to is his H/9 which is sitting at 7.39, the best he has ever posted in his major league career. Using a solid four pitch repertoire including a fastball topping out in the mid 90s (up a few MPH from the low-90s stuff he was tossing in college), a hard running 85 mile per hour slider, an effective changeup which sits at 82, and mixing in a slurvy 78 mile per hour curveballl, Donatello's stuff is very well rounded and only getting better. In Donatello and Wittgren, the Marlins have two former teammates who may find themselves battling it out for the closing job come 2016. Luis Castillo A 2015 Stats: 16.1 IP, 7 ER, 1 HR, 2.20 BB/9, 9.92 K/9 No, not that Luis Castillo. But this guy's future may be as bright as that guy's was when he was 22. A Dominican import, the sizeable 6'2", 170 pound Castillo came to the Marlins this offseason from the Giants in return for Casey McGehee. Pitching in the same league he is pitching in this season, the Sally League, Castillo tossed 58.2 innings for the Giants' single A affiliate, converted 10 of 12 save ops, and posted a 2.64 K/BB. The stats have started out in similar fashion this season with the Grasshoppers. In 16.1 IP, he has struck out 18 to just 4 walks and converted three save opportunities. But, understandably so for his age and current career placement, Castillo is a work in progress. Right now, even though both of them are very good pitches (a high 90s fastball and a good mix of speeds changeup), Castillo needs to work on staying more closed when delivering and trying not to overthrow. It would also be nice to see him develop a third pitch. The good news is there is plenty of time for Castillo, just 22, to work on all three of those things. Right now, he is a very interesting looking prospect who, with proper development, could possibly turn in to a type-A relief pitching prospect. Considering what the Marlins gave up for him, there's reason to be excited here.

On Monday night, Zephyrs' starter Pat Misch attracted national media attention when he set a Pacific Coast League record by hitting five batters, including four straight in the first inning. After the game, we wouldn't be surprised if Misch received attention such as this at a local Oklahoma City pub. Guardians Fan: Hey, Vaughn. Can I have your autograph? [Hands Vaughn a match box with a pen] Rick Vaughn: Sure. [while signing the match box] Rick Vaughn: My first autograph. I couldn't give these away a few weeks ago. Guardians Fan: I heard your news on the radio. You made their hall of shame. However, despite the infamous sequence that took place at Chicksaw Bricktown Ballpark, Misch will not be sporting thick framed glasses in his next start. Because unlike Ricky Vaughn, Misch has actually been seeing and hitting the strike zone just fine this season. If hearing Misch's name come up in the media again sounds like deja vu, there's a reason why. Misch was the starting pitcher for the Giants on August 4, 2007 in the game in which Barry Bonds hit his 755th home run and tied Hank Aaron for most on the all time list. In 2009, he once again made headlines as just the second starting pitcher in MLB history to begin his career by appearing in 12 games all of which his team lost. It was undoubtedly a slow start to his career as a starter for Misch but prior to that, he settled in nicely. Over his next ten starts from 2009 to 2010, he had seven 5+ inning starts in which he gave up four runs or less, including a complete game shutout. This season has been much more of the same for Misch. After signing a minor league contract with the Marlins in the offseason in order to attempt a comeback, the 33-year-old, despite garnering the inauspicious media attention, has been one of the Zephyrs' best arms. Over his four starts, he has posted a 2.95 ERA with a 1.22 WHIP. Five of the seven earned runs Misch gave up came in one of his starts. Without the off-night start against Oklahoma City (in which he still rebounded to last six frames after the bad first inning), his ERA would sit at 1.05. All of this isn't to say that Misch is priming himself to be ace material or even 1-3 starter material. He never has been and he never will be. What he is is a finesse lefty trying to restart his career with the Marlins who still holds on to a four pitch repertoire including good out-pitch changeup. While his days of hoping to wind up in anyone's rotation are pretty much well and gone, for a team whose bullpen houses 25-year-old long reliever Brad Hand (16 IP, 3.94 ERA and out of options) and a collective ERA of 4.16 including a 4.09 ERA vs lefties, Misch could provide value for the Marlins as either a mop-up guy or a LOOGY, especially if the Fish decide to deal Hand, a very distinct possibility especially if the Fish still find themselves in contention at the break. In other words, while Misch may have failed to miss hitting opposing batters a few nights ago, he hasn't missed the boat making its back to the majors just yet.

4/27/2105 vs Nashville Suspended (rain) Completion on 6/8 4/28/2015 vs Nashville L 1-2 Miguel Rojas, SS: 1-3, HR (2), RBI, R Cole Gillespie, 3B/Brady Shoemaker, 1B: 1-3, SB (2/1), BB Jordany Valdespin, LF: 2-4 Pat Misch, SP: 4.1 IP, 6 H, 2 ER, BB, K Bullpen: 4.2 IP, 2 H, 6 K 4/30/2015 vs Memphis L 3-4 Vinny Rottino, C: 1-4, HR (1), 2 RBI, R Isaac Galloway, CF: 1-4, RBI Bullpen: 3 IP, BB, 2 K 5/1/2015 vs Memphis W 4-0 Jordany Valdespin, LF: 2-3, RBI, BB Isaac Galloway, CF: 1-4, 3B, RBI, 2 K Justin Nicolino, SP: 6 IP, 4 H, 4 BB, 5 K 5/2/2015 vs Memphis W 5-2 Vinny Rottino, C: 2-4, 2B, 2 RBI, R, BB, K Brady Shoemaker, 1B: 3-4, RBI Miguel Rojas, SS: 3-4, RBI, R Jose Urena, SP: 6 IP, 4 H, ER, 3 BB, 2 K 5/3/2015 vs Memphis W 4-3 Derek Dietrich, 2B: 1-3, 2 RBI, 2 K Brandon Bantz, C: 1-4, 2B, RBI, R, K Cole Gillespie, RF: 2-4, R, K Adam Conley, SP: 6 IP, 7 H, 2 ER, 3 BB, 2 K 4/27/2015 vs Birmingham L 2-3 Viosergy Rosa, 1B: 1-4, HR (1), 2 RBI, R, K Zack Cox, 3B: 2-3, 2B, K Trevor Williams, SP: 6 IP, 8 H, 3 ER, 2 BB, 3 K Blake Logan, RP: 3 IP, H, 2 BB, 2 K 4/28/2015 vs Birmingham W 6-5 Matt Juengel, LF: 2-4, HR (4), SB (2), 2 RBI, 3 R David Adams, 2B: 2-3, RBI, BB Ryan Rieger, DH: 1-2, 2B, 2 RBI, K 4/29/2015 vs Birmingham L 1-2 Sharif Othman, C: 2-4, RBI, 2 K Kendry Flores, SP: 7.1 IP, 3 H, 2 ER, 2 BB, 8 K 4/30/2015 @ Chattanooga W 6-4 Zack Cox, 3B: 3-4, 2B, RBI, 2 R Austin Nola, 2B: 1-1, 2B, 2 RBI, 2 BB Sharif Othman, C: 2-3, RBI, BB Austin Brice, SP: 4 IP, ER, 2 BB, 6 K 5/1/2015 @ Chattanooga L 3-7 Sharif Othman, C: 1-3, 2B, RBI, R Matt Juengel, LF: 1-4, 2B Bullpen: 3 IP, 4 H, 2 R (1 ER), 5 K 5/2/2015 @ Chattanooga L 3-6 Sharif Othman, C: 2-4, HR (1), 2 RBI, R, 2 K David Adams, 2B: 3-4, K Matt Juengel, LF: 1-3, 2B, BB 5/3/2015 @ Chattanooga L 13-14 Kenny Wilson, CF: 3-6, HR (1), 3B, RBI, 3 R, K David Adams, DH: 3-4, 4 RBI, K Carlos Lopez, RF: 2-5, 3B, 2 RBI Matt Juengel, LF: 3-6, RBI, 2 R 4/27/2015 vs Port St. Lucie L 1-7 Austin Dean, RF: 1-4, 2B, RBI Felix Munoz, 1B: 1-4 Miguel Del Pozo, RP: 3.1 IP, 3 K 4/28/2015 vs Port St. Lucie W 4-1 J.T. Riddle, SS: 2-4, 2B Cameron Flynn, RF: 1-3, 2B, 2 R, K Scott Lyman, SP: 7 IP, 3 H, ER, 3 BB, 8 K 4/30/2015 @ Palm Beach L 2-7 J.T. Riddle, SS: 2-4, R, 2 K Chris Hoo, C: 1-3, BB, K CJ Robinson, RP: 3 IP, H, BB, 3 K 5/1/2015 @ Palm Beach W 4-2 Chris Hoo, C: 2-2, 2 RBI, R, 2 BB Avery Romero, 2B: 2-4, RBI, R Felix Munoz, 1B: 2-4, R Ryan Newell, SP: 6 IP, 6 H, 2 R (1 ER), BB, 8 K Bullpen: 3 IP, H, BB, 4 K 5/2/2015 vs Palm Beach L 1-4 Avery Romero, 2B: 1-3, RBI, BB, K Blake Anderson, 3B: 1-3, R, BB, K Bullpen: 5 IP, 6 H, ER, 6 K 5/3/2015 vs Palm Beach W 1-0 Austin Dean, RF: 2-3, SB (3), BB Christian Yelich, LF (rehab): 0-2, K Sean Townsley, SP: 6 IP, 2 H, 4 BB, 6 K 4/28/2015 vs Hickory W 3-1 Austen Smith, 1B: 1-4, HR (6), 2 RBI, R Arturo Rodriguez, C: 1-2. R. 2 BB Brian Schales, 3B: 2-3, 2B, RBI, BB, K Tyler Kolek, SP: 5 IP, 6 H, BB, 4 K 4/29/2015 vs Hickory L 5-7 Arturo Rodriguez, 1B: 3-3, 2 HR (2, 3), 2B, 3 RBI, 2 R Justin Twine, SS: 2-4, 2B, 3B, 2 R Rodrigo Vigil, C: 3-4, 2B, RBI Kyle Fischer, RP: 3 IP, 2 H, 2 K 4/30/2015 vs Hickory L/12 3-5 K.J. Woods, DH: 3-4, RBI, BB, K Brian Schales, 3B: 1-5, 2B, RBI, 3 K Ben Holmes, SP: 5 IP, 3 H, 3 R (2 ER), 2 BB, 4 K Drew Steckenrider, RP: 4.2 IP, 4 H, BB, K 5/1/2015 vs West Virginia W 3-2 K.J. Woods, 1B: 3-4, 2B, RBI, K Justin Twine, SS: 2-4, RBI, R, K Austen Smith, DH: 1-3, RBI, K Michael Mader, SP: 5 IP, 5 H, 3 BB, 5 K 5/2/2015 vs West Virginia W 4-1 John Norwood, CF: 2-3, HR (2), 2B, 2 RBI, R, K Rodrigo Vigil, C: 1-3, 2B, 2 RBI, R, BB Justin Twine, SS: 2-4, 2B Arturo Rodriguez, 3B: 2-4, R, K Jose Adames, SP: 5 IP, 4 H, BB, 6 K 5/3/2015 vs West Virginia L 2-4 John Norwood, LF: 2-4, 2B, RBI, R K.J. Woods, 1B: 1-3, BB, K Sam Alvis, RP: 3 IP, 2 BB, 2 K

Arturo Rodriguez, C/1B/3B/DH Greensboro Grasshoppers (SAL) A Weekly Stats: 9-26 (.346), HR, 2B, 5 RBI, 2 BB Between Dan Uggla in the Rule V draft, to career reclamation projects such as Casey McGehee, the Marlins have made a reputation out of finding creative ways to garner positive production. With Grasshoppers catcher Arturo Rodriguez, the Fish may have done it again. It isn't often that a Mexican League player makes it to Major League Baseball. The reason: Mexican League teams usually want much more than what a player is worth in order to pull back the maximum amount possible in commission (the league makes 75% commission on each player sold) to keep their operations running in impoverished Mexico. Depending on the player in question, the Mexican League has been known to ask of upwards of seven figures in return for the signing rights. So for a player to be pulled out of the Mexican league, especially by a team such as the thrifty Marlins, said player really has to turn heads. In his two full seasons, Rodriguez didn't just turn heads, he broke necks. After hitting an already impressive .279/.344/.431 in his first full season as a professional as a 21-year-old in 2013, all Rodriguez did last season is up his average by a hundred points, his OBP by nearly the same amount, and hit more than twice as many homers in under 130 extra ABs. His .379 average was good for third best in the Mexican League and his .618 slugging percentage and 1.040 OPS each placed fifth. This success at the most advanced level of competetion that Mexico has to offer was enough for the Marlins to invest in Rodriguez. Judging by the success Rodriguez has had through his first 16 games as a member of the organization, the Marlins, who likely spent a pretty penny to acquire him (still unconfirmed), have to be ecstatic about the return their investment has produced thus far. Through is first 56 ABs with the Grasshoppers, Rodriguez has collected 23 hits, including four XBHS and 10 RBIs. As impressive as his .411 BA and .518 SLG are, the middle portion of his slash line is what is most encouraging. As good as Rodriguez was coming up in Mexico, he was never one to take a lot of pitches. He struck out twice as much as he walked in each of his seasons in the Mexican League. However, so far this season, Rodriguez has walked seven times to just four strikeouts, bringing his OBP to .462. As early as the season is, it is still encouraging to see a guy who posted a meager 5.7% walk rate just a season ago who has dealt with the rigors of both relocating and getting accustomed to an entirely new style of baseball improve upon his greatest weakness. If Rodriguez's patience continues to develop, he will be nearly unstoppable at the plate. [youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fvJ0I0ATPAQ] At 6'0", 235, Rodriguez is quite the physical presense but at the plate, he cuts down on what would otherwise be an enlarged strikezone. Resembling another Rodriguez in the box, Rodriguez gets low and leans into the plate in order to get the most of his arm extension on pitches on the outer half. Though he slightly favors pulling the ball, Rodriguez has found success hitting the ball to all fields. Judging by his heat map, he didn't forget to pack that success when he made the trip across the border. Defensively, Rodriguez is a natural catcher. Behind the plate, he strikes fear in the hearts of runners with a good pop transition and an absolute cannon that allowed him to throw out an impressive 28% of his runners as a 21-year-old and an eye popping 40% of his baserunners in 2014. His large frame serves him well behind the dish as he has only allowed four passed balls in his entire career. Even if the Marlins have found their long term answer behind the plate in JT Realmuto, Rodriguez has eligibility at both corner infield spots. His quick reflexes and glove as well as his well above-average arm follow him in to the rest of the field. He has seen most of his time at first base this year with the Grasshoppers. For his size, his 9.25 range factor per game is fantastic. He makes the right decisions when the ball is hit to him as well. So far this year, he has started nine double plays. With Michael Morse only signed through next season, if Rodriguez develops as quickly as his numbers and approach so far suggest he will, he could find himself pulling on a Marlins jersey during spring training within the next two years. Wherever the Marlins see Rodriguez defensively, the thought f a fully developed Rodriguez hitting behind Giancarlo Stanton is scary. Scary but fun.

4/18/2015 @ Omaha - PPD (rain) Rescheduled to 4/19 4/19/2015 @ Omaha Game 1 - L/11 2-3 Derek Dietrich, 3B: 2-5, HR (3), RBI, R, 3 K Bullpen: 5.1 IP, 2 H, 1 R (0 ER), 4 BB, 5 K Game 2 - L/7 1-6 Miguel Rojas, SS: 2-4 Justin Bour, 1B: 1-2, 2 BB Vin Mazzaro, SP: 4 IP, 5 H, ER, BB, 6 K 4/20/2015 @ Omaha W 4-3 Brady Shoemaker, LF: 3-4, HR (1), 2 RBI, R, BB, K Jhonatan Solano, C: 1-4, HR (1), RBI, R, 2 K Vinny Rottino, RF: 2-4, 2 K Justin Nicolino, SP: 6 IP, 3 H, 1 R (0 ER), BB, 5 K 4/21/2015 @ Iowa L 6-4 Derek Dietrich, 2B: 2-4, RBI, R, BB Miguel Rojas, SS: 2-4, SB (1), K Justin Bour, 1B: 1-3. R, 2 BB Jake Esch, SP: 5.1 IP, 9 H, 3 ER, BB, 7 K 4/22/2015 @ Iowa W 6-3 Vinny Rottino, C: 3-4, 3 RBI, BB Cole Gillespie, RF: 2B, RBI, 2 R, BB Miguel Rojas, SS: 2-4, 2B, 2 R, BB Adam Conley, SP: 5.2 IP, 3 H, 3 R (0 ER), 2 BB, 7 K Carter Capps, RP: 2.1 IP, SV (1), H, BB, 5 K 4/23/2015 @ Iowa W 9-2 Austin Wates, CF: 3-4, 2B, 4 RBI, R, BB Justin Bour, 1B: 2-5, 2B, RBI, 2 R Scott Sizemore, 3B: 1-3, HR (1), 2 RBI, R, 2 BB Pat Misch, SP: 5 IP, 2 H, 5 K 4/24/2015 @ Iowa L 1-2 Derek Dietrich, 2B: 2-4, 2B, 3B, K Brady Shoemaker, 1B: 2-4, RBI Bullpen: 3 IP, 2 H, BB, 2 K 4/25/2015 vs Nashville W 5-0 Isaac Galloway, CF: 2-3, 3B, 2 R, K Miguel Rojas, SS: 1-2, RBI, BB Justin Nicolino, SP: 6 IP, 5 H, 2 BB, 3 K Bullpen: 3 IP, H, 2 K 4/26/2015 vs Nashville W 4-3 Derek Dietrich, 2B: 1-3, HR (4), 2 RBI, R, K Brady Shoemaker, 1B: 1-3, 2B, R, K Jose Urena, SP: 4 IP, 3 H, 3 BB, 5 K Vin Mazzaro, RP: 2 IP, H, BB, 4 K 4/19/2015 vs Montgomery L 0-2 Kenny Wilson, CF: 1-2, 2 BB, 2 K Matt Tomshaw, SP: 6 IP, 9 H, 2 ER, 3 K Bullpen: 3 IP, H, BB, 3 K 4/20/2015 @ Biloxi PPD (rain) Rescheduled to 4/21 4/21/2015 @ Biloxi Game 1 - L/7 6-0 Team: 1-22, BB, 7 K Game 2 - W/7 5-2 Matt Juengel, RF: 2-4, HR (2), 2 RBI, 2 R Ryan Rieger, 1B: 2-4, 2B, 3B, 2 RBI, R Chipper Smith, SP: 5 IP, 5 H, 2 ER, 6 K Sean Donatello, RP: 1 IP, SV (3) 4/22/2015 @ Biloxi L 1-4 Austin Nola, 2B: 1-2, 2B, 2 BB Justin Bohn, SS: 1-3, HR (1), RBI, R, 2 K Brian Ellington, RP: 2 IP, H, R (0 ER) 4/23/2015 @ Biloxi L 5-1 Terrence Dayleg, SS: 2-4 Brandon Bantz, C: 0-1, 3 BB Bullpen: 4.2 IP, 3 H, 3 BB, 2 K 4/24/2015 @ Biloxi L 0-1 Ryan Rieger, RF: 1-4, 2B, K Matt Tomshaw, SP: 5 IP, 7 H, ER, BB, 4 K Bullpen: 3 IP, 2 H, BB, 5 K 4/25/2015 vs Birmingham W 3-0 Chadd Krist, C: 1-3, HR (1), RBI, R Matt Juengel, LF: 1-4, 2B, RBI, K Greg Nappo, SP: 3 IP, 2 H, 8 K Brian Ellington, RP: 3.2 IP, 3 H, 6 K Sean Donatello, RP: 1.2 IP, SV (4), H, 4 K 4/26/2015 vs Birmingham W 4-0 Matt Juengel, LF: 1-3, HR (3), RBI, R Justin Bohn, 2B: 1-3, 3B, RBI, R Jake Esch, SP: 7 IP, 6 H, 2 BB, 6 K 4/19/2015 @ Bradenton W 7-2 Blake Barber, DH: 2-4, HR (1), 2B, 3 RBI, 2 R, K Felix Munoz, 1B: 3-4, HR (1), RBI, 2 R Yefri Perez, CF: 2-4, 2B, R Ryan Newell, SP: 6 IP, 5 H, 2 R (1 ER), 2 BB, 4 K 4/20/2015 @ Port St. Lucie PPD (rain) Rescheduled to 4/21 4/21/2015 @ Port St. Lucie Game 1 - W/8 3-1 Avery Romero, 2B: 1-3, RBI, SB (1) Brian Anderson, 3B: 1-4, HR (1), RBI, R, 2 K Jarlin Garcia, SP: 6 IP, H, ER, 6 K Juancito Martinez, RP: 2 IP, 2 K Game 2 - L/7 4-10 J.T. Riddle, SS: 3-4, 2 2B, 2 R Austin Dean, LF: 2-3, 2B, 2 RBI, R 4/22/2015 @ Port St. Lucie W 8-2 Brian Anderson, 3B: 2-5, 2 2B, 3 RBI, R, 2 K J.T. Riddle, SS: 2-4, 2B, RBI, R, BB Harold Riggins, LF: 1-3, 3B, RBI, BB Scott Lyman, SP: 5.1 IP, 2 H, ER, 3 BB, 3 K Bullpen: 3.2 IP, 4 H, ER, 3 K 4/23/2015 vs Bradenton L 3-6 Avery Romero, 2B: 3-4, SB (2), R, K Brian Anderson, 3B: 2-3, R, BB Miguel Del Pozo, RP: 2.1 IP, 4 H, BB, 4 K 4/24/2015 vs Bradenton L 0-1 Rehiner Cordova, 2B: 1-2, BB Ryan Newell, SP: 6 IP, 2 H, 2 BB, K 4/25/2015 vs Bradenton L 1-5 J.T. Riddle, SS: 2-5, SB (3), K Felix Munoz, 1B: 2-4 Matt Milroy, SP: 2.2 IP, 2 H, BB, 5 K 4/26/2015 vs Port St. Lucie W 4-3 Brian Anderson, 3B: 2-4, 2 HR (2, 3), 4 RBI, 2 R, K J.T. Riddle, SS: 2-4, R, K Austin Dean, RF: 2-4, R Tyler Kinley, RP: 2.1 IP, 3 H, K Juancito Martinez, RP: IP, H, 2 K 4/19/2015 vs Delmarva PPD (rain) Rescheduled to 5/14 4/20/2015 vs Lakewood W 8-3 Rony Cabrera, SS: 2-3, HR (1), 3 RBI, 2 R, BB, K Austen Smith, 1B: 1-4, HR (4), RBI, R, BB, K Mason Davis, 2B: 2-4, SB (3), 2 RBI, BB, K Michael Mader, SP: 6 IP, 5 H, 3 ER, 5 K Luis Castillo, RP: 3 IP, SV (1), H, 2 K 4/21/2015 vs Lakewood L 5-8 Arturo Rodriguez, 1B: 1-4, HR (1), 3 RBI, R, BB Rodrigo Vigil, C: 3-4, 2B, 2 R Rony Cabrera, SS: 1-3, 2B, RBI, 2 K 4/22/2015 vs Lakewood W 6-0 Rony Cabrera, SS: 3-4, 2B, 3 RBI, Austen Smith, 1B: 2-4, HR (5), RBI, 2 R, K Arturo Rodriguez, 3B: 2-4, R Tyler Kolek, SP: 5 IP, 2 H, 2 BB, 6 K Bullpen: 3 IP, H, BB, 2 K 4/23/2015 @ Delmarva L 0-4 Zach Sullivan, LF: 2-4, K Arturo Rodriguez, 1B: 1-4 Bullpen: 3.1 IP, 2 H, BB, 6 K 4/24/2015 @ Delmarva L 3-4 Brian Schales, 3B: 2-4, HR (1), RBI, R, K Arturo Rodriguez, 1B: 2-3, 2B, RBI, R Mason Davis, 2B: 2-4, SB (4) Ben Holmes, SP: 5 IP, 7 H, 3 ER, 5 K Luis Castillo, RP: 1.2 IP, H, K 4/25/2015 @ Delmarva PPD (rain) Rescheduled to 4/26 4/26/2015 @ Delmarva Game 1 - W 1-0 Austen Smith, 1B: 2-4, R, K Michael Mader, SP: 5 IP, 3 H, 2 BB, 4 K Bullpen: 4 IP, H, BB, 3 K Game 2 - L 0-3 Arturo Rodriguez, DH: 2-3 Kyle Fischer, RP: 1.2 IP, K

[youtube Justin Bour racked up the frequent flier miles in 2014, going back and forth from AAA to the majors four times. Wherever the first baseman happened to be on any given week though, he performed well. His first sample of playing with the big boys was a tasty morsel. as he collected 21 hits in his first 74 ABs including his first major league home run in his 31st career game. His performance in the bigs and as well as his best season as a pro in AAA (.308/.372/.517, 18 HR) in 2014 far outdid his projection as a borderline C prospect and probably would have earned him an extended look at first base in spring training this year. But when the Marlins signed Michael Morse to a two-year contract in the offseason, it assured that Bour would begin his ninth year as a professional in the minors. Fast forward to 2015. It appears as though Bour's spurning by the Marlins has motivated him even more. Through 14 games with the Zephyrs, Bour is hitting .275/.403/.353. While the power numbers are down so far, you know they will come to the 6'4" 250 mammoth who has never totaled less than a .436 SLG and 12 homers since his first year in rookie ball. What is most encouraging about Bour's start are his numbers in the patience department which greatly improved last season and have continued to do so far this season. A perennial 100+ strikeout victim over his first three full seasons (and a probable one in 2013 if not for a hairline fracture in his wrist only allowing him to get in to 83 games in which he K'd 63 times), Bour posted a 57/39 K/BB. So far this year, he has done something that would have seemed impossible two years ago: walked more than he has K'd (6/11 K/BB). Since coming to the Marlins from the Cubs' organization, he has improved his BB/K from 0.53 to 0.69, including the at-bats he got in the his first major league experience in 2014. Since his Marlins career has started, Bour has developed the ability to work counts deeper a lot more frequently and has been more selective, which has allowed him to get back to his dead pull hitting roots and pepper the right side of the field. The increase in patience and production that cut his K totals nearly in half and lead to success at the major league level are a testament to the work of both Bour and his coaches. Looking at simple photographs from his last season in the Cubs' organization to his time spent with the Marlins last year, the adjustments Bour has made are obvious. Remaining more upright, Bour is getting the most of what his massive legs can give him. His hands are more in line with the baseball and his shoulders are much more square. He is driving off his back foot on to his plant foot much better allowing him to drive through the zone much more efficiently. All of these positive adjustments have developed a much better approach at the plate and resulted in the most encouraging improvement for Bour: the ability to go the other way, preventing teams from putting the shift on him. His one homer so far this year was hit to an area he did not touch at all in 2014, down the left field line. Bour has come a long way since he struggled mightily to find his swing again after coming off the DL in mid-2013 with the Cubs. He attributes his success to studying video of his swing with his coaches, a practice which followed him all the way to the big leagues. Defensively, Bour is average but his big frame best suits him for a designated hitter role in the AL. That is who he will be trying to attract in his fourth stint as a major leaguer. If he succeeds, Bour could garner surprisingly decent value at the deadline.

Sharif Othman, C Jacksonville Suns (SOU) AA Weekly Stats: 9-20 (.450), 3 2B, 5 RBI, 2 BB, 3 K Since Paul Lo Duca left at the end of the 2005 season, the Marlins have been in search of a cornerstone catcher. While making due with the Miguel Olivos, John Bucks and Ronny Paulinos of the baseball world, the Fish have diligently attempted to acquire one through both a variety of proposed trades (who could forget the exercise in teeth pulling they went through in an effort to pry one away from the Rangers?) and through the draft. From 2006 through 2011 alone, the Marlins drafted 25 different backstops. When it comes to the draft, Miami has proved it will try anything to score a backstop they can lean on, taking catchers at virtually every spot. Over the years, they have taken Kyle Skipworth and Chris Hatcher in the first five rounds, Jobduan Morales and David Peters in rounds 10-15, Gregg Glime and Charles Keefer in rounds 20-30, and Jose Behar and Sharif Othman in rounds 30+. When Skipworth failed to pan out and Hatcher's woes at the plate lead him to become a pitcher, the Marlins were probably a bit shellshocked. But when diamond in the rough candidate Othman, selected 973rd overall in round 32 of the 2011 MLB Draft failed to top the Mendoza Line over his first three years, the front office probably didn't bat an eye. But with what Othman has managed to accomplish already on the young season at the highest level he's ever played at, their eyes are undoubtedly wide open. Although he posted good numbers at the plate during his days at California Baptist University, they were not the kind of numbers that translated well to the next level. Never one to exhibit good patience at the plate, he posted a 124/51 K/BB over his four year college career. As he made the jump to the minors, he left his good slash line behind but the strikeout totals stuck. Over the first three years of his major league career, he struck out an ugly 120 times and walked just 42 times. Entering the 2015 season, the Marlins invited Othman to spring training. He did not get in to a game but that wasn't the point of Othman's summons. Rather it was to allow him to spend time around major league hitters and coaches; be the proverbial sponge. That experience was undoubtedly invaluable for the 26-year-old. After his tenure with the big boys ended on March 17, Othman joined the Suns in Jacksonville. This was when he and hitting coach Rich Arena most evidently went to work on his swing. The adjustments that were made have allowed Othman to get off to a .391/.462/.522 start this year at the highest level he has ever played at. [youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jC_dB4yVtTM] [youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ddzrfYfOM1g] Othman's approach at the plate has been nearly entirely modified. He is using a more closed stance which is keeping him from flying open on his swings, utilizing a much shorter stroke and his bat speed through the zone has improved greatly allowing him to catch up to high heat. But perhaps the greatest improvement Othman has made to his approach occurs the second he steps in to the box. Rather than crowding the plate like he has in years past, Othman is standing further off the plate which is complimenting his straight away stance much better and allowing him to get extended on pitches on the outside part of the plate. As you can see, Othman already has nearly as many opposite field hits through is first 23 at bats in AA than he had all of last season between A and A+. On the other side of the ball, Othman has always been heralded for his defensive work behind the plate. In his college career, his quick pop and strong arm allowed him to throw out an impressive 65% of potential base stealers. Othman's strong work behind the plate followed him in to the Marlins' system. Over his first three seasons, he never threw out less than 30% of his victims. Still utilizing his great pop and transfer which was once clocked at an insane 1.87 seconds, Othman has gotten off to another great start this season, gunning down 5 of 10. While it is great to see that he has held on to his great arm, the meal ticket that allowed him to enter the majors, it is even better to see Othman's bat finally arriving. Looking at his stats this year compared to the rest of his career in the minors leads one to think that Othman has come out of nowhere. However, the skill was always there; it just needed a bit of nurturing. Both the work and dedication of Othman himself, of Arena and of the rest of the Suns' coaching staff is more than worthy of recognition. Even this early in the year, when a guy goes from hitting barely .200 for his career to placing himself amongst the league's leading hitters at the most advanced level he's ever taken swings at is nothing short of impressive. Although Othman still has a long season ahead of him and a lot more at-bats to go to prove he can sustain this type of production, the tools are there and a Cinderella story is a definite possibility.

4/11/2015 vs Omaha L 1-5 Jordanny Valdespin, CF: 1-3, 2 BB, R, K Cole Gillespie, RF: 2-4, BB Vinny Rottino, LF: 2-4, 2B, K Brady Shoemaker, DH: 1-3, RBI, BB, K 4/12/2015 vs Omaha L 0-4 Andre Rienzo, SP: 5 IP, 4 H, 3 R (2 ER), 1 BB, 4 K Grant Dayton, RP: 2 IP, 1 H, 1 K 4/13/2015 vs Omaha L 1-4 Jordanny Valdespin, CF: 1-4, SB Robert Morey, SP: 3 IP, 4 H, 1 ER, 3 K Pat Urkfitz, RP: 2 IP, 3 H, 2 K 4/15/2015 vs Iowa W/10 3-2 Derek Dietrich, 2B: 1-3, HR (1), RBI, BB, K Cole Gillespie, LF: 2-4, 2 2B Jhonatan Solano, C: 1-4, 2B Justin Nicolino, SP: 6 IP, 5 H, 2 BB, 4 K Nick Wittgren, RP: W (1-0), IP, 3 K 4/16/2015 vs Iowa Game 1 - L 7-10 Austin Wates, CF: 2-2, 2B, 2 RBI, R, BB Scott Sizemore, 2B: 2-5, 2 RBI, 2 K Vinny Rottino, LF: 2-3, 2B, BB Jake Esch, SP: 5 IP, 5 H, 3 ER, 2 K Game 2 - PPD (rain) Rescheduled to 7/6 4/17/2015 @ Omaha W 5-3 Justin Bour, 1B: 2-4. HR (1), 2 RBI, R, 2 K Miguel Rojas, SS: 1-3, HR (1), 2 RBI, R Jordanny Valdespin, RF: 1-3, 3B, RBI, R, BB, K Derek Dietrich, 2B: 2-4, 2B, R Adam Conley, SP: 6 IP. 8 H, 3 ER, 2 BB, 2 K Bullpen: 3 IP, 0 H, 2 BB, 3 K 4/18/2015 @ Omaha PPD (rain) Rescheduled to 4/19 4/11/2015 vs Jackson W 3-1 Matt Juengel, DH: 2-4, HR (1), 2B, RBI, R Zack Cox. 3B: 2-3, 2B, RBI, BB Chipper Smith, SP: 5 IP, 3 H, 1 R (0 ER), 2 BB, K Bullpen: 4 IP, 2 H, BB, 5 K 4/12/2015 vs Jackson W 4-2 Austin Nola, 2B: 2-3, 3 RBI Kenny Wilson, CF: 2-3, 2B, R, BB Sharif Othman, C: 2-3, RBI, R, K Kendry Flores, SP: 5 IP, 2 H, ER, 2 BB, 3 K Frankie Reed, RP: 2 IP, 0 H, K 4/13/2015 vs Jackson F/7 0-0 Austin Brice, SP: 5 IP, H, 2 BB, 5 K Sharif Othman, C: 1-2 4/15/2015 vs Montgomery W 3-2 Sharif Othman, C: 2-4, 2B, RBI, BB, K Kenny Wilson, CF: 1-3, HR (1), RBI, R, BB, K Zack Cox, 3B: 1-4, HR (1), RBI, R Trevor Williams, SP: 6 IP, 4 H, ER, BB, 5 K Bullpen: 3 IP, 4 H, 1 R (0 ER), 5 K 4/16/2015 vs Montgomery W/10 3-2 Matt Juengel, DH: 3-5, 2B, RBI, K Zack Cox, 3B: 2-4, R, BB, K Sharif Othman, C: 1-4, 2B, RBI, BB Chipper Smith: 5.1 IP, H, 4 BB, 6 K 4/17/2015 vs Montgomery L 2-3 Sharif Othman, C: 2-4, 2B, RBI, K Justin Bohn, SS: 2-4, RBI Carlos Lopez, RF: 2-4, R, K Frankie Reed, RP: 3 IP, 3 K 4/18/2015 vs Montgomery L 5-12 Kenny Wilson, CF: 2-4, 2 RBI, SB (2), K Matt Juengel, LF: 1-4, 2B, RBI Sharif Othman, C: 1-4, RBI, R, K 4/11/2015 vs Palm Beach L 6-3 J.T. Riddle, SS: 1-4, 3B, RBI, R, K Yefri Perez, CF: 2-4, RBI, R, K Austin Dean, LF: 2-3, RBI CJ Robinson, RP: 2 IP, 2 BB, 2 K 4/12/2015 @ Palm Beach W 4-2 Avery Romero, 2B: 3-5, HR (1), 2 RBI, R Cameron Flynn, RF: 2-4, 2B Yefri Perez, CF: 3-4, SB (1) Scott Lyman: 5 IP, 5 H, 2 ER, 2 BB, 4 K Bullpen: 4 IP, 2 H, 2 BB, 6 K 4/13/2015 vs Clearwater W 8-1 Brian Anderson, 3B: 2-4, 2 2B, RBI Harold Riggins, DH: 2-4, 2B, 2 R, 2 K J.T. Riddle, SS: 2-3, 3 R, BB Yefri Perez, CF: 2-4, RBI, R Chris Sadberry, SP: 5 IP, 2 H, 2 K Bullpen: 4 IP, 4 H, 1 R (0 ER), K, 2 BB 4/14/2015 vs Clearwater L 1-6 Avery Romero, 2B: 3-4, 2B Brian Anderson, 3B: 1-4, 2B 4/15/2015 vs Clearwater L 4-7 Felix Munoz, 1B: 3-5, 2 RBI, R Austin Dean, LF: 3-5, 2 R, SB (1) Avery Romero, 2B: 3-4, BB, K Jarlin Garcia, SP: 6 IP, 5 H, 2 BB, 4 K 4/16/2015 vs Clearwater L/11 3-2 Harold Riggins, DH: 1-3, 2B, 2 RBI, BB, K Blake Barber, 3B: 2-4, K Sean Townsley, SP: 5 IP, 5 H, ER, 4 K Juancito Martinez, RP: 2 IP, H, 6 K 4/17/2015 @ Bradenton L 6-11 Harold Riggins, LF: 3-4, HR (1), 2B, 2 RBI, 2 R, K Austin Dean: 2-5, HR (1), RBI, R, K Chadd Krist, C: 1-2, HR (1), RBI, R, BB Felix Munoz, 1B: 4-5, 2 R 4/18/2015 @ Bradenton L 1-4 Austin Dean, LF: 1-4, 3B, R, K Yefri Perez, CF: 2-3, SFB, K Chris Sadberry, SP: 5 IP, 6 H, 3 ER, 2 BB, K 4/11/2015 @ Delmarva L 1-3 Mason Davis, 2B: 0-2, SB (1), BB Arturo Rodriguez, C: 1-3 Scott Squier, SP: 4.1 IP, 7 H, 2 ER, BB, 3 K 4/12/2015 @ Delmarva L 5-8 Austen Smith, DH: 1-2, HR (1), RBI, R, 2 BB, K Arturo Rodriguez, 1B: 3-4, 2B, RBI, K John Norwood, LF: 1-3, 2 SB (3), R, BB Jacob Smigelski, RP: 2.2 IP, H, 2 BB, 4 K Tyler Kolek, SP: 4.1 IP, 3 ER, 3 BB, 2 K 4/13/2015 @ Lakewood L 1-4 Mason Davis, 2B: 2-2, 2B, 2 BB Arturo Rodriguez, C: 1-3, RBI, BB Justin Schales, 1-4, 2B, R, K Ben Holmes, SP: 5 IP, 2 ER, K, 2 BB 4/14/2015 @ Lakewood L 1-9 Arturo Rodriguez, 1B: 2-4 Colby Suggs, RP: 1.1 IP, K 4/15/2015 @ Lakewood W 7-2 Austen Smith, 1B: 3-5, RBI Mason Davis, 2B: 2-5, 2B, RBI, R John Norwood, RF: 2-3, 2 R, SB (4), BB Jose Adames, SP: 6 IP, 5 H, 2 R (1 ER), 3 K, BB 4/16/2015 vs Delmarva W 5-4 Aaron Blanton, SS: 2-3, HR (1), 3B, 2 RBI, 2 R, BB, K John Norwood, LF: 1-4, HR (1), 2 RBI, R, 2 K Casey Soltis, CF: 2-4, RBI, BB, K Austen Smith, DH: 1-4, 2B, R, 2 BB Scott Squier, SP: 5 IP, 5 H, 2 ER, BB, 7 K 4/17/2015 vs Delmarva W 9-7 Rodrigo Vigil, C: 2-4, 3 RBI John Norwood, LF: 1-3, 2 RBI, R, BB Arturo Rodriguez, 1B: 2-3, 2B, RBI, R Mason Davis, 2B: 2-5, RBI, SB (2), R Sam Alvis, RP: W (1-0), 2.1 IP, BB, 2 K Tyler Kolek, SP: 3 IP, 4 H, 4 ER, BB, 2 K 4/18/2015 vs Delmarva W 3-2 Austen Smith, DH: 1-4, HR (3), 2 RBI, R, K Arturo Rodriguez, 1B: 2-4, R Zach Sullivan, RF: 2-4, SB (1), R Ben Holmes, SP: 5.2 IP, 8 H, 2 ER, BB, 3 K Bullpen: 3.1 IP, 2 H, 5 K