Marlins trying to find best role for Berti

MIAMI -- Jon Berti remains one of the biggest surprises for the Marlins this season, yet the 29-year-old still is a bit of a mystery.

Since being promoted from Triple-A New Orleans in late April, Berti has assumed a super-utility role, and has put himself in position to be part of the organization’s future. But the organization is still trying to figure out in what capacity.

“We’re still trying to figure out, is he an everyday, utility-type guy?” manager Don Mattingly said. “Can he play every day, somewhere? Or is he a four or five days a week [starter]? Some guys are better at playing five days -- you’re going to get more production -- than playing seven.”

As part of the evaluation process for Berti, he was not in the starting lineup on Sunday against the Royals, because the club wants to keep him fresh.

“More than anything, a day off,” Mattingly said.

Berti has bounced around the diamond, playing shortstop regularly when Miguel Rojas was on the injured list with a right hamstring injury. Since Rojas has returned, Berti has started in center field, and seen action at third base, second and corner outfield.

“He’s playing kind of all over,” Mattingly said. “He’s playing in center. He’s playing third. We want to make sure he stays fresh.”

Speed is a big part of Berti’s game, and it rates in the 98th percentile in the Majors. According to Statcast, his average sprint speed is 29.8 feet per second, which ranks 12th fastest in the Majors. The league average is 27 feet per second.

Berti did miss time this season due to a left oblique strain that sidelined him from May 19 to July 31.

A case can be made, he is the best leadoff option on the current roster. His slash line is .263/.349/.430 with six home runs and 17 RBIs. He has nine stolen bases and scored 41 runs in 55 games.

Listed at 5-foot-10, 195 pounds, Berti has shown some power, and has a 40.3 percent hard-hit percentage. The MLB average is 42.1 percent.

Berti is a legitimate candidate to be the starting center fielder in 2020, but that is a long way from being determined.

“I don’t know if he’s one of those [everyday] guys or not,” Mattingly said.

Yamamoto update
The Marlins have not ruled out Jordan Yamamoto (right forearm strain) pitching at some point before the season ends on Sept. 29 at Philadelphia. The right-hander went on the injured list on Aug. 28, retroactive to Aug. 25.

In the upcoming days, he’s expected to throw a bullpen session. If that goes well, he will be close to facing hitters.

“I think he’s going to throw a sim-type game when the instructional league kicks in,” Mattingly said. “Then, it’s just working him back. I know they still would like to get him back here at some point, just to get him back on the mound before we get into the winter.”