Gurriel, Iglesias ‘right where they need to be’
The pair was able to play in a Major League exhibition sport so shortly as a result of after signing Friday, they obtained a mixed 10 at-bats this previous weekend in Minor League spring video games.
Against New York, Gurriel, 38, went 1-for-3 earlier than being changed by pinch-runner Nasim Nuñez. Gurriel’s lone hit was a single to heart discipline off Mets right-hander Stephen Nogosek within the sixth inning.
Iglesias, however, performed 4 innings and went hitless in two at-bats towards Mets right-hander Tylor Megill, however he additionally had three assists and one putout on protection.
“We have to go up there, see pitches and work the count,” Iglesias mentioned. “We will continue to work on timing. … I felt pretty good at the plate. I missed a few balls, but that’s normal. … Each and every day, it’s going to get better.”
Both gamers may have a time off on Tuesday and get again into sport motion Wednesday towards the Nationals. After Thursday’s off-day, Miami will decide how typically Gurriel and Iglesias will play the remainder of the spring.
“It’s all about timing for them right now — defensively and offensively,” supervisor Skip Schumaker mentioned. “A lot of players are in mid-spring season form, and [Gurriel and Iglesias] are just starting out. All things considered, … they are right where they are supposed to be right now.”
Gurriel, who gained World Series titles with the Astros in 2017 and ’22, is making an attempt to make the crew as a part of a platoon with Garrett Cooper, who’s the one first baseman on Miami’s Major League roster.
“I’m very happy with the dynamic of the team,” Gurriel mentioned by interpreter Luis Dorante Jr. “I’m feeling a little strange, but it’s a matter of working. I was off the field for a bit. … It was a little better than what I was hoping for. Yes, I do have to make some changes with my routine to speed up the process and get ready for Opening Day.”
Iglesias, 33, had a stable season with the Rockies in 2022, and he’ll battle with Joey Wendle, Jon Berti, Garrett Hampson and Jacob Amaya, the ninth-best prospect within the group based on MLB Pipeline, for the beginning job at shortstop.
Iglesias mentioned he’s proud to put on a Marlins uniform as a result of he lives within the Miami space together with his household.
“This is my home. My kids are excited to watch me play every night,” Iglesias mentioned. “I’m looking forward to playing for the Latin community. … I’m very excited about what is going on in this clubhouse and the staff they put together.”
Schumaker and his teaching employees must decide in a few weeks about how the Major League roster goes to arrange for Opening Day, which is March 30 towards the Mets at loanDepot park.
“You look at the history of both of those players [Gurriel and Iglesias], they are legit big leaguers,” Schumaker mentioned. “The older guys know what it takes to get ready. They take all spring to ramp up. They know what they need to do. Now it’s two weeks [before Opening Day]. The concern is — for me — just how much playing time do you give them without having to push them and then feeling they have to be pushed … because they are trying to fight to make a spot or make an impression with just two weeks left.”
