The Miami Marlins will turn to a newcomer as they try to keep their momentum going when they meet the visiting Washington Nationals to begin a three-game series Friday night.
The Marlins called up prospect Robby Snelling to start the game in his major league debut.
“It’s exciting, because Robby (is) a great competitor,” Marlins manager Clayton McCullough said. “I think he’s worked really hard, and he’s performed in a manner that he’s very deserving of this opportunity.”
Snelling, a 22-year-old left-hander, went 3-1 with a 1.86 ERA in six starts for Triple-A Jacksonville this year. At the time of his promotion, he was second in the International League in ERA and was tied for second in strikeouts with 44 (in 29 innings). Opponents batted .116 against him.
Snelling joined the Miami organization in the July 2024 trade that sent relievers Tanner Scott and Bryan Hoeing to the San Diego Padres.
“He’s been on a roll (since) the end of last year, really pitched well this spring again,” McCullough said. “We saw the stuff was there, and he threw the ball well in spring, and he’s done nothing but enhance that with how he’s gone out and thrown the ball and performed to this point in Jacksonville.”
Snelling takes the rotation spot once held by Chris Paddack, who was designated for assignment after going 0-5 with a 7.63 ERA in seven games (six starts).
“It has lined up well, and it’s more than it lining up on the calendar,” McCullough said of tabbing Snelling. “Robby has earned this chance now that it’s open to come up and take that spot.”
Snelling could have a familiar batterymate because catcher Joe Mack made his major league debut earlier in the week after a promotion from Jacksonville.
The Marlins halted a four-game skid with 4-3 walk-off victory against the visiting Baltimore Orioles on Thursday.
The Nationals went 3-3 on a homestand that ended Thursday afternoon with a 7-5 victory against the Minnesota Twins. It was Washington’ third win in the past four games.
Of the Nationals’ previous four victories, two came by double-figure margins and two were one-run decisions.
The latest win featured a home run and two doubles from Keibert Ruiz. It was the catcher’s second homer of the season — and first since March 29.
“Just big spots, happy for him,” Nationals manager Blake Butera said. “Hopefully (he’ll) gain some confidence and keep the momentum going.”
Ruiz said, according to MLB.com, “I’ve been working really hard with the hitting (coaches) here, and they’ve been helping me a lot every single day. I’m grateful for them. To have those results and help the team win, it feels good. I’ve got to keep getting better, keep working hard.”
The Nationals have a feel-good storyline as part of their pitching plans as well. Foster Griffin has made half of his 14 career appearances this year for the Nationals, as the left-hander is in the major leagues for the first time since 2022.
Griffin (3-1, 2.27 ERA) is lined up to be the starting pitcher on Friday vs. Miami, a team he has never faced. He took his first loss on Saturday when he was charged for three unearned runs in six innings against the Milwaukee Brewers. Griffin hasn’t allowed an earned run in either of his past two starts covering a total of 13 innings.
–Field Level Media
