Chad Wallach 'getting closer' to return

JUPITER, Fla. -- Chad Wallach is ready to get back on the field. But the Marlins are taking it slowly with the 27-year-old catcher, sidelined since last Thursday with a right quadriceps injury.

"We've been kind of nicked up in the catching department," said Marlins manager Don Mattingly. "So we're going to be careful. We don't want to get him out there and then turn this thing backwards. He's getting closer. I'm not going to give a day, but he's getting closer and he's improving. So I'm confident that he's on the right side of this."

Still, it's frustrating to have to watch from the sidelines.

"I'm sick of just sitting in the dugout," Wallach said. "I want to get back out on the field."

That may happen sooner rather than later.

"I ran at a better pace today and it felt a lot better than the last couple of days," said Wallach, who exited in the third inning of last Thursday��s 7-5 loss to the Astros. "Progression is always a good thing."

So while not on the playing field, Wallach finds ways to contribute where and when he can.

"I've been able to catch some bullpen [sessions], so that's good," Wallach said. "So I still get to work with the pitchers, just trying to contribute where I can."

Wallach hit .178 in 45 at-bats for the Marlins last season after being signed as a free agent from the Reds in November 2017. He was the Marlins' fifth-round pick in the 2013 Draft. His role this season is as yet undefined, but playing behind newly acquired Jorge Alfaro appears to be what��s ahead.

"I'm just here for whatever they need," Wallach said. "I don't know exactly what my role is going to be but whatever they want it to be, that's what I'll do."

Festivities for first homestand taking shape

Opening Day is just three weeks away and the first details surrounding the Marlins' opener and first homestand have been announced. Fans are encouraged to arrive early to Marlins Park on Opening Day with festivities starting on the West Plaza at 1:30 p.m. All gates open at 2 p.m.

The first 20,000 fans in the ballpark will receive a car flag, presented by AutoNation, and a schedule magnet, courtesy of Miccosukee. Fans are invited to the inaugural postgame party at The 5th Base, a fan entertainment zone that was added to the West Plaza at Marlins Park last year.

The Marlins open the season in Miami against the Colorado Rockies (March 28-31) and the New York Mets (April 1-3). The opening homestand features Little Havana Night (March 29), presented by Estrella Jalisco, with a postgame live concert in The 5th Base.

Park Before Dark is set for March 30, with the first 10,000 fans receiving a lapel pin, and fireworks after the game. In addition, Sunday Funday is March 31 with the first 5,000 fans age 14 and under receiving a Marlins Kids Ballcap, presented by Aquafina.

Richards continues to mix it up

Right-hander Trevor Richards made his third start of the spring in the split-squad 11-5 loss to the Astros on Wednesday. Richards went 3 1/3 innings, allowing one run on two hits. He struck out four and walked one.

"He was good yesterday," Mattingly said. "Obviously, he threw some pitches that got hit in a couple of spots that he was working on."

The 25-year-old held the Astros scoreless until he gave up a single run in the third.

"I was really happy with his outing yesterday," Mattingly said, "the continued use of his curveball, mixing the cutter with it. It's just the whole mix. It wasn't just fastball, change, fastball, change, with the non-competitive breaking ball. It was competitive, and if he continues to improve with all of that he's going to make some noise."

Up next

The Marlins travel to Port St. Lucie on Friday for a 1:10 p.m. ET game vs. the Mets at First Data Field. Right-hander Dan Straily gets his third start of the spring for the Marlins. In two previous outings, Straily gave up three runs on four hits, including two home runs, over 4 1/3 innings, with five strikeouts. The Mets will counter with right-hander Noah Syndergaard.