The Miami Marlins are set to introduce a fresh face as they aim to maintain their momentum, hosting the Washington Nationals in the opener of a three-game series Friday night.
The Marlins have promoted prospect Robby Snelling to start the game, marking his first appearance in the major leagues.
“It’s exciting, because Robby is a great competitor,” Marlins manager Clayton McCullough said. “I think he’s worked really hard, and he’s performed in a manner that he’s very deserving of this opportunity.”
Snelling, a 22-year-old left-hander, posted a 3-1 record with a 1.86 ERA across six starts for Triple-A Jacksonville this season. At the time of his call-up, he ranked second in the International League in ERA and tied for second in strikeouts with 44 over 29 innings, while holding opponents to a .116 batting average.
Snelling joined the Miami organization in July 2024 through a trade that sent relievers Tanner Scott and Bryan Hoeing to the San Diego Padres.
“He’s been on a roll since the end of last year, really pitched well this spring again,” McCullough added. “We saw the stuff was there, and he threw the ball well in spring, and he’s done nothing but enhance that with how he’s gone out and thrown the ball and performed to this point in Jacksonville.”
Snelling takes over the rotation spot previously held by Chris Paddack, who was designated for assignment after going 0-5 with a 7.63 ERA in seven games (six starts).
“It has lined up well, and it’s more than it lining up on the calendar,” McCullough said of tabbing Snelling. “Robby has earned this chance now that it’s open to come up and take that spot.”
Snelling could pair with a familiar batterymate, as catcher Joe Mack made his major league debut earlier in the week after being promoted from Jacksonville.
The Marlins snapped a four-game losing streak with a 4-3 walk-off victory against the visiting Baltimore Orioles on Thursday.
The Nationals went 3-3 on a homestand that concluded Thursday afternoon with a 7-5 win over the Minnesota Twins. It marked Washington’s third victory in the past four games.
Of the Nationals’ previous four wins, two came by double-figure margins and two were decided by one run.
The latest win featured a home run and two doubles from Keibert Ruiz, his second homer of the season and first since March 29.
“Just big spots, happy for him,” Nationals manager Blake Butera said. “Hopefully he’ll gain some confidence and keep the momentum going.”
Ruiz said, according to MLB.com, “I’ve been working really hard with the hitting coaches here, and they’ve been helping me a lot every single day. I’m grateful for them. To have those results and help the team win, it feels good. I’ve got to keep getting better, keep working hard.”
The Nationals also have a compelling story on the mound. Foster Griffin has made half of his 14 career appearances this year for Washington, as the left-hander is in the majors for the first time since 2022.
Griffin (3-1, 2.27 ERA) is scheduled to start Friday against Miami, a team he has never faced. He suffered his first loss on Saturday, giving up three unearned runs over six innings against the Milwaukee Brewers. Griffin has not allowed an earned run in either of his past two starts, covering a total of 13 innings.
