ST. LOUIS – When the Marlins dealt veteran Nick Fortes to the Rays on Tuesday, it did three things: introduced another upper-level prospect to the system, opened up more playing time for the club’s rookie catchers and altered the first-base situation. The emergence of Agustín Ramírez and Liam Hicks at the plate made Fortes, who was under club control through 2028, expendable. With Fortes’ departure, Ramírez will continue receiving the majority of the starts behind the dish while Hicks returns to the backup role. Through the remainder of this season, Miami wants to see that duo develop behind the plate. Entering Wednesday’s series finale, Ramírez had -9 defensive runs saved, and Hicks 1 DRS, so there’s room for improvement. |
“From the jump in Spring Training, the urgency has been through the roof, and you could say now that it clamps down even more so,” catching coach Joe Singley said. “But from the jump, these guys have been at it every day, and the urgency for them to improve, [with] this being their first year. Defense is something that we hammer every single day, and blocking and throwing our main objectives with both of them. … “The urgency to improve and being prepared for each game. Obviously, it's not going to happen overnight. But we hang our hats on every day they're doing everything they can to improve, especially on the block and throwing side of things, just handling the game.” In Miami’s loss to St. Louis on Monday night, Ramírez and Hicks started at catcher and designated hitter, respectively. Ramírez committed a throwing error and catcher’s interference, each of which led to a run. On Tuesday, Hicks caught the shutout and Ramírez served as the DH. Ramírez caught his first shutout, while Hicks was out of the lineup on Wednesday. Even on days when they serve as the DH, are “off” or Hicks plays first base, Ramírez and Hicks will sit in on the hitters meeting and game plan with the pitching staff. They also spend at least 30 minutes working on catching fundamentals. |
“It's obviously difficult, but it's an honor and a privilege,” Hicks said. “There's just a lot throughout your day. And then, also, just keeping your body right. Obviously, it's a long season, longer than the Minor League season, so just making sure that you have your body prepped to be able to catch every day.” Miami isn’t shying away from what the metrics say of the catching defense. Ramírez recently said he takes pride in game management and being a leader, things that aren’t quantifiable. Of late, his receiving has been close to league average or better. And while the defense hopefully improves, the Marlins want Ramírez’s (101 OPS+) and Hicks’ (103 OPS+) bats in the lineup as much as possible. "We know there's going to be growing pains, but when you think about that position, all the nuance that's involved, all that's on your plate, and we also ask Gus to hit in the middle of the order," manager Clayton McCullough said. "Gus is trending, and Gus is going to only continue to get better, because he wants to catch, and he has the ability to do that. He pushed some great buttons tonight, getting the pitchers through it, had a couple good blocks. Gus is — like the rest of them — going to have moments where things happen, but it's just the ability to bounce back from it and keep moving on." |
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MLB MORNING LINEUP PODCAST |
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Otto Lopez joined MLB Tonight to discuss his multi-sport upbringing, his second season with the Marlins and more. |
With larger crowds expected for this weekend’s series against the Yankees, here are options for those visiting loanDepot park. On-site general parking
A pre-paid parking pass is required. It is encouraged to purchase one in advance at Marlins.com/Parking. Those who pre-purchase parking will receive a $5 discount on the on-site parking rate. On-site valet parking
Limited valet parking passes are available for purchase at Marlins.com/Parking. Valet parking will be available in the Home Plate Garage (1502 NW 7th Street). Affordable park & ride option
For $12 per vehicle, attendees can park at the West Lot Garage (220 NW 3rd Street) or Hickman Garage (270 NW 2nd Street) and board complimentary shuttles to the ballpark. Shuttles will drop off and pick up along NW 14th Avenue. This service will operate from 4 p.m.-12 a.m. on Friday, 1-9 p.m. on Saturday and 10:30 a.m.-7 p.m. on Sunday. Brightline HOME RUNNER
Brightline offers complimentary round-trip shuttle service between MiamiCentral Station and loanDepot park. Fans can book their rides on the HOME RUNNER trains by visiting Marlins.com/Brightline or GoBrightline.com. Rideshare
Fans utilizing rideshare will be dropped off and picked up at the designated Rideshare Zone, located at East Lot 1 (1380 NW 6th Street). |
First 8,000 fans will receive a Jack McKeon Hall of Fame bobblehead presented by PNC Bank. |
The last time Troy Johnston played on a big league field, he was a high schooler at his hometown Mariners’ ballpark. Johnston, who was selected in the 17th round by the Marlins in 2019 out of Gonzaga University, waited six years for his next chance. It finally arrived on Tuesday when he started at first base and batted seventh in the Marlins’ victory over the Cardinals at Busch Stadium. “The first time, I went over to first base, kind of looked around, even just stepping out on the field the first time, when it was disgustingly hot, but taking in the stands, realizing that this is a big league park,” Johnston said of what he’ll remember from his debut. St. Louis boasts the moniker “Baseball Heaven,” and the Cardinals’ faithful is a big reason for that reputation. When the public address announced the 28-year-old Johnston’s Major League debut, he received an ovation. With his wife, daughter, parents, brother and cousin in the crowd, Johnston singled in his first at-bat through the hole between first and second, just like McCullough predicted hours before. “That is so cool that you're at an opposing stadium, and even the opposing fans cheer for you making your debut,” Johnston said. “I'm very thankful for everybody that did that.” |
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