Smith making pitch for rotation spot

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. -- After his 2018 season was cut short due to surgery, Caleb Smith made a promise to himself: The left-hander pledged to return better and more determined than ever.

That fire was on display on Monday afternoon, as Smith gave up one run on two hits with seven strikeouts in the Marlins’ 7-1 win over the Nationals at FITTEAM Ballpark of the Palm Beaches.

Smith’s dominant performance extended the Marlins’ Grapefruit League winning streak to 10 games, the second longest in franchise history. Miami will go for No. 11 on Tuesday against the Mets. If they do win, it will match the franchise’s longest spring winning stretch -- previously set from Feb. 28-March 8,1997.

The story for the Marlins on Monday was Smith’s second straight impressive start. In two Grapefruit League outings, the 27-year-old has allowed one run on two hits with 13 strikeouts and no walks in nine innings. His performance is showing he belongs in the rotation, but because he is returning from a serious injury, the club is being careful handling his recovery.

“I definitely want to make it a tough decision,” Smith said. “I made a promise to myself when I got hurt. I said I was going to come back stronger and work harder than anybody else. That’s what I did. I am on a mission to prove I belong here.”

Smith suffered a season-ending injury on June 24 at Colorado. He underwent surgery on July 9 to repair a left lat tear. Recovery time is between nine and 11 months.

“We’re just following medical protocol with him and what they’re letting him do,” manager Don Mattingly said.

As part of his recovery, Smith has been brought back slowly in Spring Training, pitching mostly on back fields. Monday was his first Grapefruit League start and second appearance overall.

On Wednesday against the Cardinals, Smith struck out six in four perfect innings.

“We’re getting close to the point where medically, we can turn this guy loose and let him go,” Mattingly said.

Along with his strong pitching line, Smith chipped in at the plate with a single in each of his two at-bats.

Smith’s impressive showing came a day after Trevor Richards threw six no-hit innings in Miami’s 4-2 win over the Cardinals.

“We have a really good, young pitching staff,” Smith said. “We can throw any one of us out there and [we’re] going to be successful. Our pitching is going to be really good.”

Options and out clauses

A week remains for the Marlins to make some crucial roster decisions. And the direction they go could determine if some players report to the Minor Leagues or exercise an out clause in their contract.

On the bubble for outfield spots are Peter O’Brien, Garrett Cooper and Austin Dean. All three are on the 40-man roster and under club control. Since they each have at least one Minor League option, they could start the season off at Triple-A New Orleans if they don’t make the Opening Day roster. Chances are one of the three will make it.

Rosell Herrera, a super utility player who can play all four infield spots and all three outfield spots, is on the 40-man roster and out of options. So if he doesn’t make the team, he likely will not be with the organization. There’s a strong chance he will make it.

Some non-roster invitees on Minor League contracts to pay attention to are outfielders Gabriel Guerrero and Harold Ramirez, as well as first baseman Pedro Alvarez. Guerrero does not have an out clause. So if he doesn’t make the team, he’s expected to be at New Orleans. However, Ramirez and Alvarez have out clauses, meaning they can opt out in the final days of camp, becoming free agents, if they aren’t going to be on the Opening Day roster.

Infielder Yadiel Rivera, who was on the team all of 2018, is on a non-roster Minor League deal. So he could be at New Orleans should he not break camp with the Marlins.

Prado holding up, gaining confidence

Martin Prado is gradually finding his old form.

The veteran infielder is tracking towards avoiding starting off the season on the injured list and making the Opening Day roster. Prado, playing mostly first base, went 2-for-4 on Monday.

“I think the more he plays, the more comfortable he gets, the more confident he is,” Mattingly said.

Prado has missed substantial time the past two seasons due to hamstring, knee, hip and oblique injuries.

“When you’ve been rehabbing more than two years, you’re not really confident in that your body is going to hold up for you,” Mattingly said. “I think he’s gaining confidence.”

Up next

After a rainout Tuesday, the Marlins will next take on the Cardinals on Wednesday at 1:05 p.m. ET at Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium.