The Marlins consider their rotation the strength of the organization, and they are on record as saying it's the reason the club was confident all along that they could contend for the playoffs in this truncated 60-game season. Now, with only a few games remaining, Miami is aiming to cross the finish line and reach the postseason for the first time since 2003.

When it comes to who will start in the final regular-season series against the Yankees, beginning on Friday in New York, the Marlins are remaining committed to stay in line with the starting five they’ve been going with for a few weeks.

Sandy Alcantara, their ace and Opening Day starter, will get the nod on Friday to counter left-hander J.A. Happ at Yankee Stadium, where the action will be live on MLB.TV. First pitch for Friday's game is set for 7:05 p.m. ET. Rookie Trevor Rogers will go on Saturday, and José Ureña is lined up for Sunday. The Yankees haven’t announced their starters for Saturday and Sunday.

“We’re in line,” manager Don Mattingly said. “There’s no flipping.”

There’s also no intention to bring back rookie Sixto Sánchez on short rest for Sunday. The 22-year-old has a bright future, and the Marlins won’t risk that in any way by asking him to go ahead of schedule.

If the Marlins reach the playoffs, they could go with Alcantara, Pablo López or Sánchez in Game 1 of the Wild Card Series. First, the Marlins have to qualify.

While the rotation is lined up, Mattingly added that all of his top relievers are available.

“You’re pretty much all hands on deck,” Mattingly said. “Our bullpen is pretty well rested, our back-end guys. We are willing to use those guys earlier, things like that. As far as rotation, we’re in order right now.”

Confidence in Sixto

Whether after a win or a loss, Sánchez is passing the body language test the next day.

“He’s been fine,” Mattingly said. “He’s not a guy I worry about getting down and losing confidence.”

That’s important, because if the Marlins make the postseason, the 22-year-old rookie could find himself making a start in the Wild Card Series, which begins on Wednesday.

“I think Sixto is really confident,” Mattingly said. “He knows that he’s got good stuff. If you had that stuff, you’d be confident, too, walking back in there the next day.”

Sánchez (3-2, 3.46 ERA) comes off a rough three-inning start in Wednesday’s 9-4 loss in Atlanta. It was the shortest of his seven MLB starts, and he allowed four runs on four hits with four walks (season high) and two strikeouts (season low). Sánchez was lifted after 75 pitches, including 38 in the first inning.

Asked about how Sánchez responds to adversity, Mattingly said, “He’s got a good face.” By that, he means the rookie doesn’t show any signs that he’s down in any way.

“He comes in, and he looks good,” Mattingly said. “He’s not dragging around. He’s not moping. He’s right back to work.”

Sánchez is also that way after his strong starts. His work habits and demeanor stay steady. Like all the starters, the next day, he reviews the game with pitching coach Mel Stottlemyre Jr.

“If he pitches good, he’s in that room going over the game with Mel, talking about things,” Mattingly said. “And after games that didn’t go as well, he’s the same. I guess I'm saying that he’s the same is a good thing for us.

“At this point, I haven’t seen anything that tells me he is losing confidence, or he’s doubting himself.”

Roster moves

The Marlins on Thursday made a few roster moves which could be a factor in the final four games of the regular season. Right-hander Josh A. Smith was placed on the 10-day injured list with a fractured nail, and rookie right-hander Nick Neidert was optioned to the alternate training site. Neidert will stay with the club and be part of the taxi squad, which is traveling with the big league club throughout the regular season and into the playoffs, should Miami qualify.

Left-hander Daniel Castano was recalled from the alternate training site, and outfielder Magneuris Sierra was reinstated from the 10-day injured list. Sierra provides outfield depth, as well as a pinch-running option. Castano, who is a starter, will have a role as a long reliever.