Soler Leads Off in Miami Debut, Sparks Offense for Nine Runs

Jupiter, FL – The Miami Marlins got to show off their new free-agent signee, Jorge Soler, against the St. Louis Cardinals at Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium over the weekend. Soler signed a three-year, $36 million deal with Miami after being named World Series MVP with the Atlanta Braves last season. 

Not a cloud in the sky, what a day for some baseball! Ten minutes away from first pitch between Spring Training neighbors the @Marlins and the @Cardinals Trevor Rogers will be on the mound for the Fish! Covering today's game for @LemonCityLive #LetsGoFish #SpringTraining2022 pic.twitter.com/5UGxWjGSKA

— Alex “Milo” Aguirre (@aguirrethecap33) March 26, 2022

Manager Don Mattingly decided to have Soler hit in the leadoff spot. He led off the game with an infield single down the third base line. The Marlins followed Soler’s lead and Miami batted through the entire lineup to start the game. The Marlins sent 11 batters to the plate and scored 6 runs off of Cardinals starter, Steven Matz. Soler was able to collect his second hit of the game in the same inning! 

In his first at-bat with the @Marlins Jorge Soler gets an infield single down the third base line and Garrett Cooper follows that up with another single to left field. @LemonCityLive @MLB #LetsGoFish #SpringTraining2022

— Alex “Milo” Aguirre (@aguirrethecap33) March 26, 2022

Beware Left-Handed Pitchers!

The inning was highlighted by Jesus Aguilar’s three-run home run to straightaway center field. Right out of the gate the Marlins jumped on Matz. This could be a good sign and formula the Marlins can use when facing left-handed pitching. Garrett Cooper added three hits to the Marlins offense going 3-4. The Marlins have a chance to win many games against lefties with Soler, Aguilar, Cooper, and Avisail Garcia in the middle of the lineup. 

Mattingly decided to go with power instead of speed at the top of the lineup which is why Jazz Chisolm Jr. was hitting in the ninth spot of the order. With all the moves Miami made in the offseason, it gives Mattingly and his coaching staff the opportunity to mix and match players at different positions. A luxury Miami has not had in recent years.

Jesus Sanchez went 2-4 on the day and was hitting third in the lineup. This move shows how confident Mattingly is with the young phenom to hit in that spot against a left-handed pitcher with a career batting average of .234 against southpaws.

Rounding out Miami’s Rotation

Trevor Rogers was on the mound for Miami and he pitched three solid innings. Paul Goldschmidt was the only Cardinal to have any success against Rogers. In the bottom of the third, Goldschmidt blasted a solo home run over the left-field wall and the only run Rogers surrendered. 

Elieser Hernandez followed up Rogers’ outing with three shutout innings. Hernandez looks ready for the 2022 season. He struck out three Cardinals and only gave up one hit. Hernandez looks like he will be the fourth starter in Miami’s rotation behind Alcantara, Lopez, and Rogers. 

Hernandez’s name has been floating a lot in the offseason as a potential piece in a trade. The Marlins are actively looking for a true center fielder and Hernandez can be in a trade package. That all depends, however, on his performance this upcoming season. Looking back, Hernandez has bright moments with Miami, but the team has lots of pitching depth to replace him in case he is actually dealt.

And that's the ballgame!! Final Score @Marlins 9 @Cardinals 2. Great all around game for Miami. Offense came to life early in the game and the pitching held their own against a tough lineup. Can't ask for a better day for afternoon baseball! @LemonCityLive #LetsGoFish @MLB pic.twitter.com/hLSO8BQhbm

— Alex “Milo” Aguirre (@aguirrethecap33) March 26, 2022

Photo | Marlins