Marlins Pitchers & Catchers Hold First Spring Training Workout
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JUPITER (CBSMiami) – Can you feel the excitement? Major League Baseball's Spring Training is getting underway and the Miami Marlins pitchers and catchers held their first workout Friday on this first day of Spring Training.
After spending months putting together a roster expected to contend, the Marlins are primed for action.
Thirty-four pitchers and six catchers began workouts at around 1 p.m. at Roger Dean Stadium in Jupiter. It was the first time the newly constructed squad took the field.
The pitching staff is generally considered strong and young; the catching core is deep with Jarrod Saltalamacchia leading the way and Jeff Mathis competing with Jacob Realmuto for the back-up position.
Expectations for the team this year are high. They are expected to win.
After pitchers and catchers get going on Friday, manager Mike Redmond will oversee the first full-squad workouts on Tuesday.
The players to watch include Giancarlo Stanton. His 2014 season was cut short after being struck in the face by a pitch in September and suffering multiple facial fractures and dental damage.
Marlins starting pitcher Jose Fernandez could start pitching as early as March 1, according to MLB.com on Friday.
The 22-year-old Fernandez underwent Tommy John surgery in May, and is targeting a return around June or July. The 2013 National League Rookie of the Year was capped at 172 2/3 innings last season, and had topped 100 pitches in just three of his first eight starts before having surgery. He has a career 2.25 ERA in 36 starts with 257 strikeouts in just 224 1/3 innings.
