The 24-year-old slugger rejoins Miami Marlins' lineup in Atlanta, seeking to provide a much-needed offensive spark as the team fights to close the National League Wild Card gap.
MIAMI, Fla. – The Miami Marlins are recalling catcher Agustin Ramirez to the active roster, according to Fish on Firsts’ Kevin Barral.
After four months in Jacksonville (AAA), the 24-year-old returns to the majors. He will join the clubhouse in Atlanta for the three-game Braves series. The organization announced left-handed pitcher Dax Fulton and righty Jack Ralston were optioned to Triple-A. Meanwhile, righty Josh Ekness (right calf strain) was reinstated from the 60-day injured list.
Ramirez started the season on the Marlins’ active roster. He was coming off a promising rookie campaign – batted .231 with a .701 OPS, including 124 hits in 537 at-bats, 33 doubles, a triple, 67 runs batted in, and 21 home runs in 136 games. Ramirez finished sixth in National League Rookie of the Year voting.
Despite the batting flashes, there were clear needs to improve at catching behind the plate. He had a first percentile blocks above average, first percentile caught stealing above average, 58th percentile framing, and 28th percentile pop time (1.99). The struggles only continued and the offense took a decline.
Before being sent down, Ramirez batted .230 with a .663 OPS, including 26 hits in 113 at-bats, five doubles, a triple, 14 runs batted in, and two home runs in 31 games. Although the decision was difficult, the backstop production needed improvement. It led to Joe Mack being promoted, who quickly emerged as a cornerstone franchise piece.
The Marlins traded Liam Hicks to the Tampa Bay Rays ahead of the 6:00 p.m. deadline. Mack and Brian Navarreto are likely to top catchers on the depth chart; meanwhile, Ramirez can best serve the lineup as a designated hitter.
In 59 games at Jacksonville, the second-year major leaguer batted .254 with a .759 OPS, including 54 hits in 213 at-bats, 14 doubles, a triple, 29 runs batted in, and seven home runs. He’s caught behind the plate in 49 games and the issues might still be lingering. Ramirez has committed 15 errors and allowed 72 stolen bases.
The Marlins can’t run the risk of putting the Dominican Republic native behind the plate. With a two-game difference between the team and the Philadelphia Phillies, who hold the final National League Wild Card spot, the gap and run for error is too thin for Ramirez’s lack of stable catching.
Facing the Braves (67-45), who are currently first in the National League East, this week presents a greater challenge. Ramirez could provide an offensive spark, but it should be just that.
