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Miami Marlins starting pitcher Jesus Luzardo throws during the fourth inning of a spring training baseball game against the Washington Nationals, Sunday, March 26, 2023, in Jupiter, Fla. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)

Miami Marlins looking for improvement for the 2023 season

The Miami Marlins come into Opening Day against the New York Mets Thursday looking to compete in a difficult NL East division.

Jessica Blaylock, a Fox Sports Florida live reporter who covers the Marlins, joined Sport Scene Wednesday and talked about the keys to improvement for the Marlins as they enter the season opener.

Success on the Mound

Miami finished the 2022 season with a 69-93 record and finished fourth in the NL East. Blaylock said the Marlins need to improve offensively. They are always in a good position when it comes to pitching with reigning CY Young Award Winner Sandy Alcantara on the mound. The Marlins also have Jesus Luzardo, who according to Blaylock, “Is due for a big year.”

They also have star pitchers Trevor Rogers, Braxton Garrett, Edward Cabrera and newly signed Johnny Cueto. Blaylock sees Cabrera as “almost like a mini Sandy in the making.”

Keys to Improvement for the Marlins

Last season, Miami found themselves on the wrong side of one run ball games.

It will be important for Miami to win these close games this season if they want to return to the postseason.

The Marlins added multiple talented players in the offseason including Jean Segura and defending American League Batting Champion Luis Arráez.

Additionally, Injuries were a major issue for the team last year, whether it was Jorge Soler with a lower back injury, Jazz Chisholm Jr with a left shoulder contusion or Avisail Garcia suffering a hamstring strain.  Miami also drafted LSU third baseman Jacob Berry with the sixth overall pick and signed former Top 100 Prospects Jordan Groshans in August and Xavier Edwards in November.

Next Up

The Marlins finished Spring Training with a 7-16 record. Miami is hoping to compete for a NL East Title and they certainly have the player potential to do so. The Marlins start off the season with a four-game series against the Mets beginning Thursday. First pitch is set for 4:10 p.m.

About Frannie Ferreri

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