Maybe it is the lack of facial hair, or the move to the East Coast, but the Andrew Cashner trade has not worked out for Miami.
After going all of August without a win in a Marlin uniform, Andrew Cashner was finally able to earn one Wednesday night against Jeremy Hellickson and the Phillies.
Cashner was solid over 5 1/3 innings for Miami, striking out nine. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
After acquiring Cashner for Carter Capps, Jarred Cosart, and Josh Naylor, Cashner has hardly made an impact.
Wednesday was different however, as Cashner struck out nine in 5 1/3 innings and the Fish snapped a five game losing streak with a 6-0 win.
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The win places Miami five games out of the second NL Wild Card spot. The past 10 games have been a struggle for the Marlins as they have only been able to win two, so Cashner’s solid outing could not have come at a better time.
Miami started out of the gates hot with an Ichiro triple that eventually scored on a Martin Prado ground-out.
Marcell Ozuna, who seems far removed from being a starting outfielder for the National League in the All-Star Game, scored the second run for Miami after a double in the second inning.
Unlike the recent slump, Miami was efficient with runners in scoring position going 5-11, with both Christian Yelich and Martin Prado picking up a 2-out RBI.
Realmuto has been a consistent force for Miami both behind and at the plate this season. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
JT Realmuto added two hits and an RBI for the Fish, continuing his impressive season.
I don’t think Realmuto gets talked about enough by Marlins fans. To have a catcher with 9 homers, a .313 average and 40 RBI is something I am sure Don Mattingly does not take for granted.
But what makes Realmuto stick out even more to me is his athleticism. The former shortstop has compiled an impressive 11 stolen bases this season, a high mark for a catcher in any scenario.
After losing two of three to the Phillies, the Marlins enjoyed a rare break from action Thursday to rest up and try to find their identity for the stretch run. They’ll certainly need to be fresh for tonight’s opener against the Dodgers, who return ace Clayton Kershaw to the mound in a hope to wrap up their own Wild Card spot.
The best pitcher in baseball returns Friday night. Miami better be ready. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
Kershaw will be slated up against Jose Fernandez in one of the most highly anticipated pitching matchups a fan could think of.
After a rough stretch of games for Miami, a big win against a contender could be huge for keeping the slim chance of the playoffs alive.
We’ll find out Friday night.
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