Sixto, meet Pedro: Phenom chats with idol

Sixto Sánchez on Friday afternoon lived out every player's dream: He spoke with his childhood idol.

As a guest on MLB Network’s “The Rundown,” Sánchez was interviewed by Hall of Famer Pedro Martinez. Martinez and host Alexa Datt were in-studio while Sánchez, the Marlins’ rookie sensation, was at Marlins Park in Miami.

The 22-year-old Sánchez has made it known that he long admired Martinez, a fellow Dominican Republic countryman. In addition to conversing with Sánchez, Martinez interpreted the interview.

“When I was young, I loved watching Pedro play for Boston,” Sánchez said in Spanish. “Every time I saw Pedro pitch, I said, ‘Wow, when I grow up, I want to be like him.’"

The Marlins acquired Sánchez from the Phillies as part of the J.T. Realmuto trade after the 2018 season. Sánchez is one of the rookie sensations in the sport. Armed with a fastball that regularly reaches 100 mph, the right-hander is 2-1 with a 1.80 ERA and 25 strikeouts in 25 innings.

On Sunday, Sánchez is slated to pitch one of the doubleheader games against the Phillies in Miami.

Marlins manager Don Mattingly knows the feeling of meeting his boyhood idol.

“For me, my guy was Rod Carew, growing up as a kid,” Mattingly said on Friday during a Zoom call. “I had a chance to meet him at the All-Star Game in ’84. It’s a big moment for you, from the standpoint, it’s someone you looked up to. Not that you want to meet them so much, but being in the same kind of realm as them is a pretty good feeling.”

As a young player looking to launch his career, Sánchez has the opportunity to use Martinez as a mentor.

“It’s always good if guys are following guys you feel like are quality,” Mattingly said. “Then if there is a relationship there, then that guy is probably going to want to help him. Or if there is something going on, he’s somebody who can talk to him. They are from the same country, and [speak] the same language.”

With his delivery and mannerisms on the mound, Sánchez resembles Martinez. He has a flair about him.

Mattingly noted that the main thing about Sánchez is that he tries to be himself.

“I’m sure Pedro along the way had a lot of people who helped him -- pitching coaches, players,” Mattingly said. “You hope Sixto is able to take that all in and then be himself. At the end of the day, he’s not Pedro. He’s Sixto.”

Isan thankful to be back
Whatever role is asked of him, Isan Díaz is ready to embrace it -- whether it is second base, occasionally some third base or coming off the bench. He did the latter in Game 1 of Friday's seven-inning doubleheader, an 11-0 loss to the Phils, and got one of three hits off Aaron Nola. In the Marlins' 5-3 Game 2 win, Díaz started at second, recorded an RBI single and scored a run.

Díaz is just happy to be back with the Marlins. In late July, just days into the season, the 24-year-old elected not to play, citing personal and health concerns. The decision came as the team dealt with its COVID-19 outbreak.

“It's a lot of things that were personal,” Díaz said. “I'm just happy to be able to come back. I thank the Marlins organization for that, and my teammates as well, for accepting me back. It's been a heck of a year.”

Prospect Jazz Chisholm has been playing second base since Jon Berti has been out with a lacerated right index finger, which landed him on the 10-day injured list.

“Obviously, Jazz is over there, and he's doing a heck of a job,” Díaz said. “The guy is a stud. He's doing a phenomenal job over there playing second base. Obviously, coming back and understanding what is going on in the situation. I'm well aware of the situation that I'm mentally prepared to come back and help the team in any position that is presented -- whether it's third base, second or short, wherever.”

Before Díaz left the club in early August, he had conversations with Mattingly.

“I had conversations with Isan when he was contemplating his decision,” Mattingly said. “That was a tough decision for him. Obviously, a lot of factors that went into that decision.”

Since returning, Mattingly informed Díaz to be ready for anything.

“For Isan, the conversation was easy,” Mattingly said. “Be ready to play. You’re part of the group. There are going to be days you’re in there, and days you’re not. You have to stay ready because at any point, you can be in the game.”

Roster moves
The Marlins on Thursday selected the contract of right-hander Johan Quezada from the alternate training site. Right-hander Robert Dugger was appointed as the 29th man for the doubleheader, and right-hander Justin Shafer cleared waivers and was given his unconditional release.

Dugger entered in the fourth inning of Game 1 on Friday and tossed four innings of two-run ball, striking out two.