The Miami Marlins have started the season with a troubling 4-16 record, grappling with a lack of offense and disastrous pitching. Adding to these woes is a string of injuries. Recently, one of their top offense contributors, Jake Burger, went down with a left oblique injury. To make matters worse, they’re even on the brink of losing their manager. With a disappointing season on the precipice, some key players need to come through and turn the tide for the Marlins.
Marlins Players That Need To Start Getting Hot
SP Jesus Luzardo
Jesus Luzardo emerged as a standout in 2023 and surpassed many expectations. In 32 games, he had a 3.58 ERA and a 1.21 WHIP in 178.2 innings pitched. He was able to get hitters to swing and had 9.9K/9. With Sandy Alcantara’s season-ending injury, the Marlins looked towards Luzardo to helm the rotation and be their new ace. So far, though, in 2024, he hasn’t looked quite like himself.
He has a 7.65 ERA in four games and a 1.55 WHIP in 20 innings pitched. He is having apparent issues with his control and has been unable to get as many strikeouts as usual. Surprisingly, if he continues down this road, he might stay with the team longer than anticipated. Before the start of the season, teams had expressed their interest in acquiring Luzardo. With his mediocre start to the season, the teams could become disinterested.
SP AJ Puk
AJ Puk made a big move this offseason, going from being a relief pitcher to a starting pitcher. This move would come with its fair share of adjustments, but how much longer? In 2023, as a relief pitcher, he had a 3.97 ERA, 1.18 WHIP, and 13 walks in 56.2 innings pitched. Despite promising signs in spring training, it looks as if SP isn’t the position for him. So far in 2024, he has a 9.92 ERA, 2.63 WHIP, and 17 walks in 4 games. This stat line is harrowing as he has more walks in four games this season than his previous 58-game season. Hopefully, he can figure things out and help the Marlins start winning.
“We haven’t had that conversation yet.” – Skip Schumaker on if the team has talked about moving Puk back to the pen.
My story on his latest start ⬇️ https://t.co/CS0rBLr1L6
— Isaac Azout (@IsaacAzout) April 19, 2024
C Christian Bethancourt
Christian Bethancourt was acquired during the offseason from the Tampa Bay Rays to be a solid defender and potential consistent bat for the Fish. In 2023, he played 104 games and had a .225 AVG with 71 hits. So far in 2024, in 11 games, he has failed to gain a hit in 22 ABS. He only has one RBI. Bethancourt and Nick Fortes have been splitting up the catching team pretty evenly. Neither of them has been able to get going, and things are looking grim for the Marlins in the catcher’s position. They could be on the hunt for a good quality catcher during the trade deadline if these two players can produce runs or hits.
Main Photo Credits: Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports
