Garrett gives Marlins' rotation much-needed good news

PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. -- While there seems to be more bad news than good coming out of the Marlins’ pitching staff these days, there were some major pots of gold at the end of the rainbow on Sunday. Here’s a breakdown of the good news out of Miami’s camp.

Help is on the way
Braxton Garrett, who had a breakout 2023 season after starting the year as the odd man out, threw his first live batting practice of Spring Training. Garrett has been on a slow buildup since the start of camp, when he arrived in Jupiter with general left shoulder soreness.

It was a big moment for Garrett, who will miss the first few weeks of the regular season as he finishes his buildup. For a Marlins rotation that will be without Sandy Alcantara (Tommy John surgery), Edward Cabrera (right shoulder impingement) and possibly Eury Pérez (right elbow soreness) to start the season, a speedy return for Garrett will be more than welcome.

The even better news: his stuff is already looking nasty. During his live BP session, in which he pitched to Jazz Chisholm Jr. and Jake Burger, Garrett’s slider and changeup had such a similar look out of his hand (but very distinct movement as they neared the plate) that it tripped up Chisholm.

"It's good to get there, and it's a lot of fun," Garrett said afterward. "It's a lot more fun than throwing bullpens. It's good to get in there with Jazz and Burger and get their feedback. … I should start moving into a five-day rotation here; so maybe a bullpen and then a two-up. I'm not sure if that'll be in an intrasquad [game] or [a regular] game or what.”

“His demeanor was good, which means he's healthy -- that's number one,” manager Skip Schumaker said. “No. 2, his stuff was where it should be, 90-92 [mph]. That's Braxton Garrett. … And seeing the swings -- guys who are almost ready for Opening Day have trouble squaring it up -- was also a good sign.”

Perfection, again (and again)
For the third time this spring, Sixto Sánchez threw a perfect inning. The first came in his Spring Training debut on March 2. The next came in the first of his two innings on March 13. Then, a perfect fourth inning -- and a perfect fifth -- in the Marlins’ walk-off, 7-6 loss to the Mets at Clover Park on Sunday.

Sánchez entered Spring Training having pitched just one inning (Sept. 12, 2023, with Double-A Pensacola) since his debut 2020 season. Finally healthy after multiple shoulder issues and setbacks over the past three years, the Marlins moved Sánchez into the bullpen. It’s safe to say it’s been a success so far.

Seeing the consistency with which Sánchez has pitched this spring as he settles into his new role as a multi-inning reliever for Miami, it’s been inspiring. As the Marlins will likely have to lean on the bullpen a little more at the start of the season, being able to trust Sánchez will be crucial.

“The recovery two days after throwing two innings and then coming back [today] for two innings was really good to see,” Schumaker said. “His pitchability, he’s smart, he’s an athlete and he’s been impressive. So yeah, he’s opening eyes -- no doubt about it.”

Avi poppin’ off
Sánchez’s performance wasn’t the only highlight of the Marlins’ trip to Port St. Lucie on Sunday. Miami’s No. 2 and 4 hitters, Dane Myers and Avisaíl García, had big days at the plate. While Myers went 3-for-4 with a solo homer, his second of the spring, it was García’s day that was arguably more significant.

After struggling with injuries since he was signed by the Marlins on Dec. 1, 2021, García entered this spring fully healthy and ready to prove himself worth the four-year contract he originally signed.

Not only did García reach base twice on Sunday -- via a double in the second and an error in the third -- but he also went first-to-home to score. That’s not necessarily something he might have expected from himself before, but this year he’s going all-in.

“I’ve been hurt a lot,” García said. “I think it’s been my problem. But the talent is there. The confidence is there. So I just got to keep playing, be focused and try to do my job every day.”

“He had a tough year last year,” Schumacher said. “Right when he was starting to feel better, he got hurt and was really injury-plagued the whole year. Without [Jorge] Soler, we’re looking for that right-handed power bat, and we’re hoping that he can provide it.”