Faced with the loss of Giancarlo Stanton for the rest of the season, the Marlins are considering both Alex Rodriguez (unconditionally released) and Carlos Gomez (designated for assignment) according to various reports.
MLB Network Radio’s Jim Bowden says it’s inevitable that the Marlins could sign Rodriguez to play first base, according to his sources.
Marlins team president Michael Hill confirmed interest in Rodriguez, though he’s unsure if A-Rod has a desire to continue playing this season.
“We’re going to look at everything,” Hill said. “There has been information out there about his situation. I have no idea what his interest level is to continue playing.”
“This team has played too well for too long. We’re right in the thick of this thing, and we’re going to do everything in our power to help in any way we can. If it’s him, if it’s someone else, we’re going to try to find a way to make it happen.”
Original Report – Aug 14
Marlins slugger Giancarlo Stanton will miss the remainder of the season with a groin strain, Don Mattingly told reporters this afternoon. Stanton was injured on the final play of last night’s 8-7 loss against the White Sox attempting to stretch a single into a double.
This is no doubt a huge loss for a Marlins team right in the playoff hunt, currently tied with the Cardinals for the second Wild Card spot.
Stanton is certainly having a down year by his standards, slashing .244/.329/.496 (117 wRC+) in 103 games, the worst showing of his career. However, he still has 25 home runs and remains a legitimate power threat. He leads Marcell Ozuna, who has 19 homers, for the team lead.
Stanton’s spot in right field will presumably go to the 42 year-old Ichiro Suzuki. Ichiro is having his best year since 2009, slashing .313/.389/.390 (113 wRC+) in 240 plate appearances. He recently picked up his 3000th big league hit.
