Miami Marlins: Can Marcell Ozuna Win Center Field Job?

Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports

Miami Marlins prospect Marcell Ozuna was called up to the big league roster on April 30. In his first game against the New York Mets, Ozuna was 1-for-3 with a strikeout and after that, he continued to become a big part of the Marlins’ offense. He batted .265/.303/.389 with three home runs and 32 RBIs. He also recorded three triples in his first 70 games with the team before he was lost for the entire season with a left thumb injury.

Now, Ozuna is full healthy and is poised to take over the starting center field spot. He has played center field in the winter leagues in the Dominican Republic, and his thumb is thought to be okay at this point. With Justin Ruggiano no longer in the picture, the battle for the starting job is expected to be between Ozuna and Jake Marisnick.

Marisnick was next in line after Ozuna went down with the injury. He came up with Christian Yelich, but did not perform as well. He batted a mere .183/.231/.248 with a home run and five RBIs, including two doubles and six walks. His strikeout total was a bit alarming as well as he struck out 27 times in 118 plate appearances.

If Marisnick cannot cut down on his strikeouts and work more on his offensive game, there will be a big battle brewing in South Florida. Both players are on the upside of 20 and both players have enormous talent. It will be very hard for manager Mike Redmond to choose a starter once it comes time to do so.

Ryan Gaydos is an MLB columnist for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter, “like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.

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