7/19/98 — Rob Stanifer allowed 3 runs in the top of the 12th and a Marlins’ rally fell just short, as the Cubs beat the Marlins 7-6. Of concern to the Marlins is the injury to Eric Ludwick who has already spent 2 stints on the DL.
Marlins end a 3-game losing streak by outpitching the Cubs in a 2-1 victory. Brian Meadows won his NL Rookie leading 9 game. The bullpen struck out all 6 men it faced. Todd Dunwoody scored the first Marlin run only to see a Henry Rodriguez home run tie the game. But a Todd Zeile solo home run over the scoreboard in left gave the Marlins the lead they needed. 32,000 watched and cheered as Matt Mantei struck out 4 to earn the save.
After a 2-hour rain delay, the Marlins and starter Eric Ludwick jumped to a 7-1 lead over the Expos only to allow the Expos to tie the game in the top of the ninth. But Edgar Renteria took a risk by trying to reach third on an infield ground ball. Brad Fulmer’s throw ended up in the dugout, allowing Renteria to score the game winning run. Marlins 8 – Expos 7.
Eric Ludwick regained his spot in the starting rotation as the struggling Joe Fontenot (0-7) was placed on the disabled list. Ludwick will start on Monday. Ludwick was the Marlins’ best starter in the first few weeks of the season prior to getting injured.
Marlins activated pitcher Eric Ludwick and placed him in the bullpen until they can determine if Joe Fontenot or Ryan Dempster need to be demoted.
Marlins trade the struggling Jay Powell and a minor leaguer Scott Makarewicz to the Houston Astros for minor league catcher Ramon Castro, the Astros’ top pick in the 1994 entry draft. The Marlins organization lacked any catching prospect forcing the acquisition. GM Dave Dombrowski considers Castro to be very close to the Major League level. He has been assigned to AA Portland. Rob Stainfer was recalled to take his spot on the roster.
Marlins keep improving, winning their third in a row in a 8-3 victory over the Mets.
The Marlins have traded Mike Piazza to the New York Mets after 5 games with the club.
The Marlins receive three top-prospects: Preston Wilson (Mookie’s step-son), Ed Yarnall (Coral Springs, FL and St. Thomas H.S.), and Geoff Goetz. Wilson is an impressive outfielder. Yarnall and Goetz are both pitchers. The left-handed Yarnall was 7-0 with an 0.39 ERA in AA prior to the trade. The Marlins have also called up Mike Redmond from AAA to backup Greg Zaun.
The Marlins payroll is now at $16,204,000.
5/22/98 — Livan Hernandez pitched a complete game, leading the Marlins to a 3-1 victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates. Rookie Todd Dunwoody had 3 hits, leading the Marlins in victory.
5/21/98 — Joe Fontenot was called up and will pitch on Saturday. Donn Pall was sent to down to AAA to make room.