The Miami Marlins finished their Grapefruit League schedule with a 3-2 victory over the Detroit Tigers on Saturday.
Miami ended up with only a 13-17 record in the spring, but went undefeated in the final four contests. While wins and losses mean nothing in the spring, Miami played better fundamental baseball as the regular season approached. That factor coupled with a mostly healthy roster, made this a successful camp for Miami.
Christian Yelich was originally penciled in to start in the spring finale, but was scratched late with leg stiffness. The injury is not considered serious and Yelich should be ready for the regular season on Monday. Miami will use Yelich in center-field and he will likely bat third on most days.
Wei-Yin Chen got the ball for the start in this one and ended his spring with a decent outing. Chen allowed one run on four hits in three innings of work, along with two walks and a strikeout. The lefty will next be on the mound in the fourth game of the season.
Tom Koehler also pitched in this one and went three innings of his own. Koehler who will be Miami's third starter, allowed one run on four hits in three innings. The right-hander struck out three and walked none.
Miami scattered 11 hits in the win, with most of those going for singles. The lone extra-base hit was courtesy of Matt den Dekker. The non-roster invitee tripled for the first time this spring.
Miami's regular season will begin against the Washington Nationals on Monday in Washington, D.C. at 1:05 p.m.
