Prado back in lineup; Chen could start
MIAMI — The high-priced reinforcements are finally returning to the Marlins.
Martin Prado was the first, making his long-awaited season debut in the lineup Friday at third base.
Pitchers Wei-Yin Chen and Dan Straily had also returned from rehab assignments and were awaiting final clearance from the medical staff before rejoining the starting rotation.
That may happen as soon as Saturday for Chen.
Asked about the possibility of the Taiwanese left-hander getting the start in the second game of the series against the Rockies, manager Don Mattingly said, “He could.”
That would have the Marlins’ two highest-paid players in the lineup together for the first time since early last season.
Prado’s return was hastened by playing well in back-to-back games for Class A Jupiter on Tuesday and Wednesday. Mattingly wasted no time installing him in the second spot of the lineup.
“He’s been playing a lot, so he’s ready to go,” Mattingly said. “I’m not going to ease him back, I’m going to throw him right in there.
“I think he gives you a solid hitter in your lineup. Martin is going to hit, period.”
Prado, 34, not only adds an experienced bat with a .291 career average to a lineup that ranks second-to-last in the National League in runs scored, it also restores leadership that can only help a club loaded with young players.
But the 12-year veteran was the one feeling like an excited rookie before Friday’s game.
“Pretty sure I feel like I just got called up,” he said. “Really excited, kind of a roller coaster of emotions. I don’t know how to act.
“Coming to the field and having those butterflies in my stomach, it’s always a good feeling.”
Prado’s return started a domino effect through the roster. Brian Anderson, the rookie who was second on the team with 12 RBI and has played well at third, was starting in right field Friday for the
first time as a pro.
Anderson played in the outfield in college and has been working the past couple of weeks in anticipation of the move. He has also been preparing to play first base as needed.
“When I go out there I put my effort into the work, and I’ll trust it whenever I go in the game what I’ve been working on and see how it goes,” Anderson said.
Although it puts him in an unfamiliar spot, Anderson was eager to share in the benefits of Prado’s presence.
“He’s an incredible guy to have around. I think the experience that he brings, especially to a young team like this, it’s pretty invaluable,” Anderson said. “You get a sense of excitement today just having him back. He’s just kind of got that energy around him.”
To make room on the roster, rookie right-hander Trevor Richards was optioned to Triple-A New Orleans. More moves will come to accommodate Chen and Straily.
Prado and Chen top the Marlins’ payroll this season. Prado is earning $13.5 million in the second season of a three-year deal. Chen is being paid $10 million plus an $8 million deferred bonus in his third year of a five-year contract.
Prado had surgery to repair meniscus in his right knee on July 28 and has been dealing with a strain of his left hamstring since spring training.
Chen has dealt with elbow issues during most of his time since joining the Marlins in 2016.
Although he made four relief appearances in September, he hasn’t started in the majors in nearly a year, since May 1 when he held the Rays to two runs in six innings at Marlins Park.
Marlins officials were cautiously optimistic as he progressed without setback through spring training. In two rehab outings for Jupiter, Chen allowed only one run in 7 2⁄3 innings, including five shutout innings on Sunday.
Mattingly said he will be mindful of giving Prado some days off, but the veteran said he is preparing to play every day.
The injuries that limited him to 37 games last season and the slow, painstaking effort to get back this season has been a learning process for Prado.
“I remember 10 years ago I didn’t even stretch,” he said. “Now it takes a little more work, but it’s a passion for the game. I will do it over and over again just to play baseball again.”
Riddle progressing
The return of shortstop JT Riddle (right shoulder tendinitis) is also on the horizon. Riddle was to play back-to-back rehab games for Double-A Jacksonville on Friday and Saturday.