The Miami Marlins played against themselves on Saturday in a pair of simulated games on the back fields of their spring training complex.
These type of games are played with loose rules and are not monitored by umpires. The main purpose of these contests is for players to get work in and face live opposition. Pitchers get to throw with a batter at the plate instead of simply playing catch. Likewise, hitters are able to see live pitching without a cage surrounding them.
In simulated games, players will often get up to the plate more than they normally would. This is in an effort to get the most at-bats possible in the day rather than simply playing three outs per inning. Pitchers will throw a set number of pitches in sim games as they build up arm strength ahead of the exhibition schedule.
One critical moment for Miami on Saturday was the first at-bat for Giancarlo Stanton with his new protective helmet. That AB went without incident, but his third time up was a different story. Teammate Henderson Alvarez nailed Stanton in the hip with a pitch but the slugger appeared to be fine. Stanton is coming back from a season-ending hit-by-pitch in 2014.
The sim games were open to the public as well as the media. A photo of the moment that Stanton was hit was captured by the Sun-Sentinel.
Miami will play Florida International University on Monday when the Panthers visit Roger Dean Stadium. The Marlins will also play UM before beginning the Grapefruit League schedule.
