A franchise-record collapse and decimated pitching staff have transformed a dominant playoff run into a clubhouse crisis, forcing the front office to weigh aggressive trade deadline reinforcements.
MIAMI, Fla. – The Miami Marlins’ pitching production has drastically changed from June to July.
Last month, the staff had the best ERA – 3.01 – in the league. They had three shutout victories against the Arizona Diamondbacks (twice) and St. Louis Cardinals. The Marlins had firm control over the final National League Wild Card spot.
Until the active 12-game losing streak occurred. The Marlins fell to 11th in the standings and three games out of the playoff picture. Part of the struggles have been the pitching staff. The Marlins currently have a 4.63 ERA in July – 11th worst in the league.
In Sunday’s 5-3 loss to the Padres, Janson Junk started on the mound. He pitched in 4.2 innings and allowed seven hits, one earned run, and struck out six batters. The Marlins led when Junk was pulled.
However, Lake Bachar failed to secure the victory. In the eighth inning, he gave up five hits and four earned runs, including two home runs. Junk believed he could have kept going, but trusted the decision.
The late-game collapse cemented a franchise record-breaking 12-game losing streak.
Following the game, Junk described the mood in the clubhouse:
“It sucks,” he said.
Junk acknowledges how the unappealing stretch has taken a toll on everyone, but it can’t be everything on the team’s mind. There are still 56 games remaining on the regular-season schedule, including tonight’s series opener against the Philadelphia Phillies at LoanDepot Park.
Ahead of the Aug. 3 trade deadline, the Marlins need pitching – either another starter or reliever. Free agent signing Pete Fairbanks hasn’t been consistent on the mound. He’s in the midst of a career-worst season: 7.18 ERA, 3-4 record, giving up 32 hits, 25 earned runs, and eight home runs in 31.1 innings pitched thus far.
The staff has taken a hit from injuries. All-Star starter Max Meyer (neck strain), Anthony Bender (right shin stress reaction), and William Kempner (elbow sprain) were placed on the 15-day injured list. In addition, Robby Snelling was placed on the 60-day injured list and top-25 prospect Thomas White is out for the season with a left shoulder capsular strain.
Pressure might be rising on Marlins President Peter Bendix to make a trade. The team has proven to be good enough to compete against the league’s best. However, losing 12 consecutive games doesn’t come out of nowhere. The Marlins will need to approach the deadline as buyers to climb back up the National League standings.
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Anthony Aguirre is a Miami Marlins beat writer for Roundtable Sports. Contact info: [email protected] | 305-987-3290 | Follow on Instagram/X: @AnthonyA_Sports
