The Miami Marlins have few roster spots available heading into the season and two brothers are vying to make the team.
Donovan Solano has been with the Marlins since 2012 and has been a part of 306 games. The veteran has flipped between a utility role and a starting gig. Solano has also been sent to AAA on multiple occasions only to be brought back. While the 27-year old hasn't been an All-Star, he has provided Miami with consistent production.
During Solano's time with Miami, his brother Jhonatan was a member of the Washington Nationals. The two played against one another which is a rarity in the history of Major League Baseball. While the time against each other was brief, the Solano brothers are hopeful they can now play in an MLB game together as teammates in 2015.
D. Solano has a better chance of making the big league roster on Opening Day. His ability to play several positions in the infield and outfield increases the odds. In his three seasons with the Marlins, D. Solano has played second base, third base, short stop, and left field. Despite moving all around the field, D. Solano has done a great job defensively with an overall .990 fielding percentage in his career.
J. Solano is a catcher and that is the only position he has ever manned at the big league level. The Marlins have two catchers locked into jobs and it is unlikely they would carry a third catcher to begin the year. This means, J. Solano will likely only make the Opening Day roster if either Jarrod Saltalamacchia or Jeff Mathis end up injured during spring training. There are other catchers in camp as well that could compete for the job.
J. Solano is the older brother but has less big league experience. In two seasons with the Nationals, he only played in a combined 36 games. With minimal playing time in 2012, J. Solano slashed .314 / .351 / .571 but those numbers came tumbling down in 2013. J. Solano spent the entire 2014 season at the AAA level for Washington.
A picture of the brothers was posted on Instagram by J. Solano last month. The two players can be seen in front of lockers at Roger Dean Stadium.
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Even if one or both Solanos fail to make the team initially, odds are they would be offered minor-league roster spots. Miami needs depth at both spots, and there is a decent chance that both men could find themselves in Miami at some point during the season.
