Notes: Berti out (finger); Cooper's recovery
Marlins second baseman Jon Berti was out of the starting lineup for a second consecutive game Wednesday because of a stiff right finger. Berti hurt the finger while dropping down a bunt in the 10th inning of Monday's 5-4 win over the Braves.
Berti felt he could have played in Tuesday’s game against Atlanta after throwing in the cage, but manager Don Mattingly decided to stay away from him and kept him out for the finale as a precaution. Mattingly, however, said he would not hesitate to use Berti in an emergency situation on Wednesday.
With Berti out of the lineup, Jazz Chisholm, the Marlins' No. 4 prospect per MLB Pipeline, received the start at second. Mattingly loves Chisholm’s energy and likes the way he plays second base. Since arriving in the big leagues, Chisholm is 1-for-16 with a stolen base and two runs scored.
“If Berti was healthy right now, Jazz probably wouldn’t play today. It's like a little mixture of where we are at right now. We’ve been fine with how he is fitting in,” Mattingly said.
The Marlins have Isan Díaz at the alternate training site in Jupiter, Fla. He was slated to be the starting second baseman when the season began, but in early August he elected not to play due to health and family concerns, then decided to return and was cleared to play last week.
Asked if Díaz would be part of the mix in the Major Leagues, Mattingly said, “He is in Jupiter working out. He is either getting ready or staying ready. If we need him, then we’ll call him. At this point, we are set up with Jazz [and] Berti at second. It’s the combo we have been working with, but that could change at any time.”
Cooper feeling better
Marlins first baseman Garrett Cooper said he is feeling much better after missing a good chunk of the season because of COVID-19. But he’s back in time to help the team in a pennant race.
After contracting the illness, Cooper spent the first four weeks in Jupiter, Fla. The virus took a lot out of him, he said, and it didn’t help that he was coughing a lot for two to three weeks. After recovering, Cooper then worked hard to get back in baseball shape.
“Getting back to Jupiter was big. When I was down there, it was hot and humid. It got you more accustomed to playing again,” Cooper said. "The name of the game is being healthy and being on the field. I never worried about hitting or any of that stuff. I’ve done it my whole life. I’m a pretty confident player. To get in that groove is all you need as a hitter. When you miss some time, especially with COVID-19 this year, you try to find your footing fast. It’s a short season.”
Scott added; Shafer designated for assignment
The Marlins announced on Wednesday that they have added outfielder Connor Scott, their No. 15 prospect per MLB Pipeline, to the 60-man player pool, and he will report to the alternate training site in Jupiter, Fla. Scott, who was the club's first-round pick in the 2018 MLB Draft, hit .248/.310/.359 with five homers and 23 stolen bases in 122 games last season across Class A and Class A Advanced.
Miami also designated right-hander Justin Shafer for assignment on Wednesday. Shafer allowed eight runs in 5 2/3 innings across five appearances in his first season with the Marlins.