Daniel Shirey-USA TODAY Sports
Miami Marlins top prospect Jake Marisnick underwent surgery Sept. 30 to repair a torn meniscus and to remove a piece of loose cartilage in his knee. Marisnick is expected to return to full activity in the coming weeks as he prepares to make the Marlins’ 25-man roster at the end of spring training. However, the climb will be ever difficult this season.
Marisnick is currently blocked by Marcell Ozuna who had a good winter in the Dominican Republic after missing most of last season with a broken thumb. Ozuna is primed to start in center field between Giancarlo Stanton and Christian Yelich. Marisnick will have to fight for a spot on the bench between two new faces, Brian Bogusevic and Joe Benson.
Last season, Marisnick did not have as much of an impact as his fellow high-touted prospect Yelich did. In 40 games, he batted .183/.231/.248 with five RBI and 27 strikeouts. It seemed like the majors shook him a bit at the start before he started to turn things around.
His progress in the organization is vital because he is expected to become a full-time big leaguer by the 2015 season. He has incredible range and a solid arm which makes him a good defender in the outfield. His first fight against Bogusevic and Benson will be a hard one because of his age and possible knee problems that could hinder his success.
He will have to show manager Mike Redmond something more in spring training than he did last season in 40 games with the team. Will he be able to do it? Stay tuned because the Marlins’ spring is going to be an interesting one to watch.
