Role reminiscent of Rojas
Mattingly confident with Rivera anywhere
MIAMI — Marlins manager Don Mattingly sees something familiar in infielder Yadiel Rivera, the 26-year-old Puerto Rican who registered his first career walk-off hit on Tuesday night against Philadelphia.
Mattingly’s memory rewinds a few seasons to recall Miguel Rojas’ development. Rojas was a lighthitting utility infielder used mostly as a pinch-hitter instead of an everyday player. This year, that role belongs to Rivera, who signed a minor-league contract over the winter with Miami.
“He’s like what we were able to see a few years back with Miggy,” Mattingly said. “He’s a guy that can play all over the diamond. Really confident with the glove no matter where you put him.”
Rivera — who turned 26 on Wednesday — has struggled to find consistency as the plate since turning pro in 2010. In eight minorleague seasons, Rivera owns just a .630 on-base plus slugging percentage and nearly has as many strikeouts (749) as hits (761).
Entering this season, Rivera played 43 total games across three seasons with Milwaukee and hit just .183/.202/.232. He only started 20 games.
But his glove and versatility in the infield have allowed him to climb the levels to the major leagues. This season, he is 3-for-21 and drove in his fourth career run Tuesday night against the Phillies. He’s also played four different positions (shortstop, second base, right field and left field) and earned his fourth start of the year Wednesday night.
Rivera manned second base instead of Starlin Castro, who missed his first game of the season. Combined with Miami’s off day today, Castro will have two days off before the Marlins open a series in Cincinnati on Friday.
“Everybody’s got something little going on,” Mattingly said about Castro. “Felt like this was the right day to give him the off day tomorrow.”
Mattingly said the Marlins still believe there is some more upside to Rivera’s bat than he’s shown throughout his professional career, perhaps mirroring Rojas.
In 11 minor-league seasons, Rojas had a .620 OPS, and about half the home runs Rivera hit (41 to 20).
“A guy that you feel comfortable on the field wherever you put him and feel like there’s more to his game than what he’s shown to this point as far as his career,” Mattingly said.
The Marlins activated shortstop JT Riddle (right shoulder tendinitis) from the disabled list and optioned him to Triple-A New Orleans, where he was for a rehabilitation assignment. Mattingly said Riddle was ready to contribute in the majors should Miami need him.
“Now it’s a matter of him playing every day and showing that he’s able to sustain that pace where you’re playing every day,” Mattingly said. “At this point, we can’t option him unless he’s healthy. He’s healthy enough that if we needed someone, we could bring him.”
Catcher Tomas Telis, designated for assignment Saturday, cleared waivers and was outrighted to New Orleans. Telis was bumped off the roster when Wei-Yin Chen returned.
Telis had a .207/.258/.241 slash line in 23 major-league games this season, mostly in a pinch-hitting role.
mdefranks@ sun-sentinel.com; On Twitter @MDeFranks.