Marlins put Alfaro on IL; Cervelli behind dish

The Marlins anticipated Jorge Alfaro being behind the plate on Friday to face his former team on Opening Day. Instead, the 27-year-old catcher has been placed on the injured list with an undisclosed ailment.

Francisco Cervelli started in Alfaro’s place in the opener against the Phillies at Citizens Bank Park.

In a corresponding move, the club selected the contract of infielder Sean Rodríguez, who was in Philadelphia as part of the club’s taxi squad.

In a Zoom call on Friday, manager Don Mattingly said he couldn’t give any clarity as to why Alfaro is on the injured list.

“We still plan on having him back, and still planning on big things for him,” Mattingly said. “We’re looking forward to Jorge coming off the IL.”

Alfaro started the Marlins’ 10-9 exhibition loss at the Braves on Tuesday at Truist Park. He went 2-for-2 with a home run.

In this unprecedented season of playing through the coronavirus pandemic, and MLB implementing strict health-related protocols for players and staff, lineups are subject to change on a daily basis.

When the Marlins announced their Opening Day roster on Thursday, the club listed three catchers -- Alfaro, Cervelli and Chad Wallach.

Mattingly said he anticipates Cervelli and Wallach pretty much splitting time as the starters.

“We like our guys, as far as Wally and Cervi,” Mattingly said. “We knew we were going to have to be ready for anything.”

Rodríguez, 35, is an established veteran who has played all over the field in his 13-year big league career.

In Summer Camp, Rodríguez even caught some bullpens, and he is considered the emergency third catcher.

The Marlins acquired Alfaro from the Phillies as part of the J.T. Realmuto trade prior to the 2019 season. In his first season with the Marlins, Alfaro hit .262/.312/.736 with 18 home runs and 57 RBIs.

Alfaro missed time in Spring Training in February and March with an oblique strain.

Mattingly is confident in the veteran Cervelli’s ability to step in seamlessly.

"Obviously, Francisco brings comfort in that area," Mattingly said. "In Spring Training, Francisco was more of a split-time guy, with Jorge being beat up in camp. But it is nice to have Cervi there, because you know he's an experienced guy who has run staffs and played in big games."