The Marlins had an injury-plagued spring, and they opened the season with two relievers and a key bench player on the disabled list. If their starters can consistently go deep into games at least through April, they should be OK. But that's asking a lot, based on how they performed in March.
PLAYER NEWS: --OF Brett Carroll won a roster spot because he hit well over .300 during Grapefruit League play, but his biggest skill is his defense, which saved a victory Wednesday. Carroll made the last out of the game with a diving catch of Austin Kearns' sinking line drive with the bases loaded. Florida won 6-4.
--1B Jorge Cantu left Wednesday's game two innings after being struck in the left hand by a fastball. X-rays were negative. Cantu, who is 4-for-9 with two home runs, expects to play Friday after Thursday's day off.
--RHP Matt Lindstrom converted his first save opportunity of the season Wednesday even though he didn't have an ideal debut. He threw 32 pitches, walking a batter with the bases loaded, before hanging on to finish off Washington in Florida's 6-4 win. Lindstrom missed the last part of spring training because of a strained right rotator cuff.
--UT Ross Gload made his first start for the Marlins, playing right field Wednesday and going 1-for-4. The versatile left-handed hitter moved to left field and then to first base in the same game.
MEDICAL WATCH:
1B Jorge Cantu (sore left hand) left the April 8 game after being hit by a pitch. X-rays were negative, and he hopes to play April 10.
RHP Scott Proctor (sore right elbow) went on the 15-day disabled list retroactive to March 27.
INF Alfredo Amezaga (sprained left knee) went on the 15-day disabled list retroactive to March 27. He was expected to return in mid-April.
RHP Rick VandenHurk (inflamed right elbow) went on the 15-day disabled list retroactive to March 28.
ROTATION:
1. RHP Ricky Nolasco
2. RHP Josh Johnson
3. RHP Chris Volstad
4. RHP Anibal Sanchez
5. LHP Andrew Miller
BULLPEN:
RHP Matt Lindstrom (closer)
RHP Leo Nunez
RHP Logan Kensing
LHP Renyel Pinto
RHP Kiko Calero
LHP Dan Meyer
RHP Hayden Penn
LINEUP:
1. 3B Emilio Bonifacio
2. C John Baker
3. SS Hanley Ramirez
4. 1B Jorge Cantu
5. 2B Dan Uggla
6. RF Cody Ross
7. LF Jeremy Hermida
8. CF Cameron Maybin
RESERVES:
1B Wes Helms
C Ronny Paulino
OF Brett Carroll
1B/OF Ross Gload
INF Andy Gonzalez
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