MIAMI -- The Marlins were relatively quiet ahead of the Trade Deadline, making just one deal before Tuesday night’s 2-1 loss to the Reds at loanDepot park. Miami has dropped five in a row to fall to a season-worst 10 games below .500 and nine out of the final National League Wild Card spot.

“Now, let's regroup,” manager Don Mattingly. “We know who our team is. We're going to be getting some guys back. … Let's move forward and see what we learn.”

How close was a deal for Pablo López?
Though general manager Kim Ng consistently fielded calls, she said it was hard to characterize how close a trade came to fruition without being in the other front offices’ rooms. Thanks to the Frankie Montas and Luis Castillo trades, the Marlins had an idea of what López could net. But Miami didn't need to deal him unless an offer struck the club's fancy, because López is under team control through 2024.

Since López turned the corner 2020, his 3.33 ERA ranks 23rd among MLB starters with at least 220 innings, ahead of Yu Darvish, Castillo, Zac Gallen and Taijuan Walker. The only drawback with López is his injury history, as he has missed time every season except '20 with shoulder issues.

“Pablo is a very good pitcher,” said Ng, who was chatting with López in the dugout pregame. “You don't go into these Deadlines or the offseason absolutely fixated on doing something. I think you have to be flexible, I think you have to go with the market. The market gives you a pretty good idea of what you have, how other clubs view your players. Like I said, they were very popular. But I think you have to make the right deal for today, as well as for you tomorrow, and next year, and the year after.”

Could an extension be in the cards for López, who lost his arbitration case in his first year of eligibility? Ng said the Marlins would wait a bit on that front. Last winter, Miami signed ace Sandy Alcantara to a five-year, $56 million extension with a team option for 2027.

The main reason the Marlins believe they can contend in 2023 despite their ‘22 struggles is the starting pitching. Alcantara and López make a strong 1-2 punch. Jesús Luzardo looked solid in his return from the 60-day IL on Monday and Braxton Garrett struck out a career-high-tying 11 batters on Tuesday as he continues to impress.

How did injuries affect the Deadline?
When Avisaíl García exited Tuesday with left hamstring discomfort, it left the Marlins without seven position players from their Opening Day roster. During last week’s trip to Pittsburgh and Cincinnati, eight players landed on the injured list.

“I think the road trip really since hurt us,” Mattingly said. “We haven't really got clicking, but we were hanging in there, hung in through the road trip, but lost a lot of guys, and then came back in the Mets series and just kind of got manhandled. That's kind of an eye opener when you play a really good team and you just get manhandled, and you see where you're stacking up at that moment with the team that you have and guys that you're missing. That's kind of a reality shot.”

What should we expect for the rest of 2022?
The remainder of the season could help the organization figure out things moving forward.

No. 5 prospect JJ Bleday, for example, is starting on a daily basis in center field. But for the second year in a row, first baseman Lewin Díaz will need to compete with All-Star Garrett Cooper and Jesús Aguilar for at-bats. Cooper is eligible to be reinstated from the IL on Wednesday and Aguilar has a mutual option for 2023. On Tuesday, Aguilar started at first and Díaz served as the designated hitter for the first time since being recalled.

How does the Deadline affect the offseason?
Though clubs can’t swing trades until five days after the World Series, groundwork has been laid for possible deals in the winter.

Is there a core in place for the Marlins to build around for a playoff push in 2023? What will it take to get them over the hump?

“I wouldn't say a lot of moves,” Ng said. “I would say probably some key moves. I think we'll have to see how the market presents itself.”

Just like last offseason, offense will be a priority. Over their last 26 games entering Tuesday, the Marlins had scored 66 runs – last in MLB and nearly 100 runs worse than the team with the most (Yankees, 161). The MLB average over that span is 113. Their slugging percentage also is the worst at .304 (MLB average .402).

“I like the group of guys we have here,” reliever Anthony Bass said after being dealt to Toronto. “I like the talent of this club. We just dealt with injuries at the wrong time of the season. We missed some key contributors [since] last month. That didn't allow us to put enough pressure on the front office to go out there and try to add some valuable pieces to help us make that push. That's the nature of the business here. I understand that. But I have nothing but great things to say about this group of guys and how hard they pull for each other here. It's different. I think moving forward, this organization is going to be in the postseason very soon.”