NewsHermida slated near top of batting order
Florida (19-24) vs. Tampa Bay (22-22), 7:10 p.m. ET
By David Villavicencio / MLB.com
05/23/09 1:04 AM ET
MIAMI -- The Marlins hope to quickly forget Friday's 15-2 loss to the Rays. Manager Fredi Gonzalez has tried several things to get his team winning consistently again. Since their 11-1 start, the Marlins have won just eight of their past 31 games but that does not mean Gonzalez has given up on his team. "I think the spirits of the guys are good," Gonzalez said. "You don't see anybody giving at-bats away. Everybody is still playing the game the right way. I think that there is light at the end of the tunnel." |
The third-year manager's latest attempt to reach that light surrounds a reshuffling of the lineup.
Nine games ago, Gonzalez moved outfielder Jeremy Hermida into the second spot with the hopes that his high on-base percentage will create more RBI chances for his big bats, infielders Hanley Ramirez and Jorge Cantu. Hermida, who went 1-for-4 Friday, could be a big factor in this weekend's Interleague series against the Rays. Not only could he provide the RBI opportunities Gonzalez is looking for, but the team leader in walks could drive some runs in as well. A first-round selection in the 2002 First-Year Player Draft, Hermida has enjoyed success in his career against Tampa Bay. The 25-year-old entered the series batting .321 with three home runs and 13 RBIs against the Rays. Florida's skipper will have to find a television to see how his new second batter fares against the Rays on Saturday. Gonzalez will be in Georgia attending his daughter Gigi's graduation from Lassiter High School. Bench coach Carlos Tosca will lead the ballclub in Gonzalez's absence, but it would not be the first time he has sat in the manager's seat at the big league level. Tosca managed the Blue Jays from 2002 to 2004. Hermida and his teammates will need to provide run support for Sean West. The left-hander is making his Major League debut Saturday after going 4-2 with a 4.85 ERA over eight starts for Double-A Jacksonville. West threw well in his last outing, allowing one run over six innings while striking out six. The Fish will need the 22-year-old to continue his success on a much bigger stage if they hope to even the series against their in-state rivals. Pitching matchupFLA: LHP Sean West (0-0, -.-- ERA)
West, one of five first-round picks in 2005, will make his big league debut Saturday against the Rays. The 6-foot-8 left-hander is 4-2 with a 4.85 ERA at Double-A Jacksonville. In 42 2/3 innings, West has 50 strikeouts and 22 walks. In his last outing, West took a no-decision while allowing one run on three hits over six innings while striking out six against the Carolina Mudcats. The lefty will face a potent lineup that flexed its muscles Friday night. Tampa Bay tagged Florida for 15 runs en route to a series-opening victory. TB: RHP Jeff Niemann (4-3, 4.97 ERA)
Niemann had his best performance of the season on Monday against the A's, lasting eight innings while allowing three earned runs on eight hits while walking none and striking out three. It was his second consecutive strong start and a good sign for Tampa Bay, which is expecting a lot from its 6-foot-9 No. 5 starter. Keep in mind, though, that Oakland is near the bottom in almost every offensive statistical category this season. Tidbits
Anibal Sanchez will throw a simulated game Sunday in Jupiter. If that goes well, he could throw a rehab game next Friday. Sanchez has been on the DL since May 8 with a right shoulder strain. ... Hanley Ramirez's home run in the fourth inning was his seventh in 52 Interleague games... Eighteen players have played for both the Marlins and Rays in their careers. ... Cody Ross went 0-for-4 Friday to end his hitting streak at seven games. ... Hockey legend Gordie Howe threw out the ceremonial first pitch before Friday's game. Tickets
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• WAXY 790, WAQI 710 (Español) Up next
• Sunday: Marlins (Josh Johnson, 3-1, 2.54) vs. Rays (James Shields, 3-4, 3.43), 1:10 p.m. ET
• Monday: Marlins (Chris Volstad, 3-3, 3.64) at Phillies (Jamie Moyer, 3-4, 7.62), 7:05 p.m. ET
• Tuesday: Marlins (Andrew Miller, 1-1, 4.94) at Phillies (Joe Blanton, 2-3, 7.11), 7:05 p.m. ET
David Villavicencio is an associate reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.
