Optimistic Marlins stir reasons for hope

MIAMI — By one reading of the Derek Jeter meter, not much has changed with the Miami Marlins since he took over. They have by far the worst run differential in the National League. Their record has been the NL’s worst for much of the season. They’re a distant last in the majors in attendance. But within the franchise, optimism is the highest it has been since unpopular owner Jeffrey Loria put the Marlins up for sale in early 2017. Evidence suggests the new ownership group, including CEO Jeter, has the organization headed the right direction.

Just look at the standings: Thanks to a recent surge, the young Marlins (41-57) are not even last in the NL East. And opponents rave.

“They're better than their record shows,” Milwaukee Brewers third baseman Travis Shaw said. “Their lineup is not bad. They've got a couple of guys who can throw a little bit. Their bullpen guys are pretty good — guys who will probably get traded here in the next couple of weeks. They’re not just a rollover team.”

Despite a patchwork rotation and lineup, the Marlins have gone 21-18 since June 5. They won their final two series before the AllStar break against firstplace teams Milwaukee and Philadelphia.

ST. PETERSBURG — The Rays made the inevitable move Wednesday of placing catcher Wilson Ramos on the DL while still looking for a replacement. Ramos strained his left hamstring Saturday in Minnesota, forcing him out of the All-Star Game. The Rays placed Ramos on the 10-day DL backdated to Sunday, which makes him eligible to return Wednesday, but manager Kevin Cash said he was “going to miss some time.”

That is expected to carry beyond the July 31 deadline for nonwaiver trades, by which Ramos seemed likely to dealt and bring the Rays a decent return. The Nationals and the Astros were reported to be interested. Now the Rays’ hopes may rest on Ramos being healthy before the Aug. 31 deadline to be postseason-eligible if traded in a waiver deal.