Alfaro makes impression in Marlins debut

JUPITER, Fla. – The Marlins are still getting to know Jorge Alfaro, as a player and a person. But one thing the organization discovered on Saturday afternoon is its new catcher will go full speed, no matter what.

In the fourth inning of Miami's Grapefruit League opener against the Cardinals at Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium, Alfaro crashed into a dugout railing and bruised his right knee, but he remained in the game.

“I always like to finish what I start,” Alfaro said. “I’m going to give 100 percent all the time. Every ball, every play.”

Even in a Spring Training game?

“It doesn’t matter; it’s a game,” Alfaro said. “We have to win. Just compete.”

Alfaro was shaken up after chasing Jedd Gyorko’s foul ball into the Marlins’ dugout.

“That was some kind of scary, man,” said right-hander Austin Brice, who was pitching at the time. “You don’t really realize how hard a guy hits something until you’re almost standing right next to it. He absolutely crushed it. He took that like a champ.”

In the dugout, Alfaro rammed into infield coach Trey Hillman, who was standing at the railing. Hillman was able to brace Alfaro, and the two tumbled down the stairs. Even though his chest banged into the railing, Alfaro said he felt the most pain in his right knee.

“[Hillman] tried to grab me and all that,” Alfaro said. “I think that helped me not to hit it harder than I did. They were yelling at me. But I was excited. I was in the game. I just tried to get the out for my pitcher.”

Added Marlins manager Don Mattingly: "It sounds like it hit just above the knee. Just kind of preliminary stuff. Sounds like they're calling it a bruise or contusion. ... It was getting a little sore. He didn't shy away, the first day of spring. He was going for it."

After being treated by the medical staff, Alfaro caught the rest of the half inning before being lifted for a pinch-hitter in the bottom of the fourth. Sharif Othman then replaced Alfaro behind the plate.

“I know a lot of guys who wouldn’t even be able to walk after that,” Brice said. “The fact he got back on the field, that was extremely impressive. I was pumped. That jacked me up.”

The Marlins acquired Alfaro from the Phillies earlier this month as part of the J.T. Realmuto trade.

“I’m happy he bounced back and went back behind the plate,” shortstop Miguel Rojas said. “It says a lot about him. It’s a Spring Training game. You always want guys like that on your team.”

Alfaro is doing his part to fit in as a Marlin. Even before the game, he trimmed his long beard to comply with the team's facial hair policy. Beards are allowed, as long as they are groomed.

“That’s fine,” Alfaro said. “I just try to follow the rules here and be part of the team.”