The Miami Marlins will hand over managerial duties to Martin Prado for the season finale on Sunday.
Prado will pencil himself into the lineup as the third baseman for the game as well and perform double duty. With the game meaning nothing for either club, usual team manager Don Mattingly has decided to let his players have a little fun in their last game.
Mattingly also stated that players will serve as coaches and that the decision on those names will be left up to Prado. Using a player as a manager on the final day of play is something Mattingly also has done in the past. It is a custom that the skipper picked up from legendary manager Joe Torre.
This has been a difficult week for the Marlins after the passing of Jose Fernandez and any bit of levity can go a long way. The Marlins may be able to enjoy themselves at least for a few hours when playing under a teammate. Not only is Prado a key part of the lineup, but he is also the team captain.
Prado has been a leader on and off the field for the Marlins since arriving in Miami. The team throws him the ball at the end of every half-inning and won't leave the field until he has it in his glove. Where Prado goes, the team goes and having him as manager for a day only seems fitting.
The team and Prado have not announced a new contract as of yet, but there were reports recently of a deal. Assuming this new deal is completed, Prado and the Marlins will avoid a potential divorce in free agency. Barring something unforeseen, Prado should be in the lineup next Opening Day and playing under Mattingly once again.
Sunday's season finale against the Washington Nationals will get started at 3:05 p.m.
