Viewership up
Marlins’ TV ratings are up 17% for season; Jose Fernandez debut, Yankees game draw big audiences.
Even as the Marlins struggle to rise in the standings, their television audience is growing.
Viewership of Marlins games on Fox Sports Florida was up 17 percent as of Tuesday compared to the same number of games last season. According to Nielsen Media Research. Telecasts are averaging1.92 households (31,349 homes) for the season.
But June saw a bigger boost in viewership with a 2.1 HH rating marking the first month above a 2.0 average since July 2012.
The June 15 game against the New York Yankees was the most watched game of the season with a 3.2 HH average, which means 52,248 homes were tuned in.
Jose Fernandez’s season debut on July 2 against the Giants was the most watched midweek day game (noon start) on FSF since April 19, 2012 with a 1.6 HH rating.
Revolving door
Versatile Jordany Valdespin returns for his second tour with the Marlins to fill the spot created by Marcell Ozuna’s demotion to Triple-A New Orleans.
Valdespin, recalled from the Zephyrs on Tuesday, was batting .287 in 60 games with 10 doubles, three triples, one home run, 16 RBI and six stolen bases for the team’s top minor league affiliate. He hit .214 with three homers in 52 games for the Marlins last season.
The left-handed hitter, who can play second base and wherever needed in the outfield, had an outstanding spring training, posting a .378 average with four triples. But there were no openings in the outfield due to the offseason signing of Ichiro Suzuki.
The Marlins’ outfield, touted as the best in baseball, has failed to live up to that billing and is in flux due to Giancarlo Stanton’s injury (broken hand) that is expected to keep the slugging right fielder out for at least the next month and lack of production by Ozuna. The promising young center fielder, who hit 23 homers in his first full season in 2014, has only four this season and was in a 1-for-37 slump when he was sent down after Sunday’s loss in Chicago.
In addition, Ichiro was in a 0-for-25 hitless spell, the longest of his stellar career, which had him on the bench as the Marlins began a twogame series in Boston.
Gold Glove left fielder Christian Yelich got off to a slow start but has been the club’s hottest hitter lately, with a .394 average over his past 10 games while raising his season average to .258. He made his first start of the season in center field Tuesday at Fenway Park.
Michael Morse, who returned from the disabled list during the weekend, made his first appearance in the outfield as a Marlin, starting in left. Cole Gillespie, who began the season with New Orleans, is getting most of the starts in right in Stanton’s absence.
Valdespin, 27, will be able to fit in at various positions. He had appeared in 212 games in the majors since breaking in with the Mets in 2012.
Prado starts rehab
The Marlins could get a much-needed bat back soon as third baseman Martin Prado is beginning a rehab assignment with Class A Jupiter.
The veteran has been out with a sprained right shoulder since taking a tumble at first base during a June 14 loss to the Rockies.
Prado had a slash line of .272/.311/.370 with four homers and 24 RBI in 63 games.