The Miami Marlins have made a significant roster move, designating veteran shortstop Tim Anderson for assignment. The decision arrives as Anderson struggles to regain his form, dramatically impacting his performance and contributing to the Marlins' challenging season.
Anderson, who signed a one-year contract worth $5 million in the offseason, has faced a tough spell at the plate this year. His batting numbers tell a stark story, with a .214/.237/.226 slash line across 65 games. Furthermore, his strikeout rate has surged to a career-high 28.2% of his plate appearances, and over 234 at-bats, he managed only three extra-base hits. These struggles were compounded by a recent error during Sunday's game against the Philadelphia Phillies.
This marks a notable downturn for Anderson, a two-time All-Star and a former batting champion, who boasts an overall career OPS+ of 95. However, in his most recent 765 plate appearances, his OPS+ has plummeted to 51, underlining his prolonged battle to rediscover his hitting prowess.
With the Marlins holding a disappointing 30-54 record for the season, the team appears poised to be active sellers as the July 30 trade deadline approaches. In response to Anderson's assignment, the Marlins are set to bring up infielder Xavier Edwards. Edwards, in 33 games, has posted a .287/.333/.333 line, translating to an 80 OPS+. While not stellar, Edwards' numbers suggest a degree of stability and potential compared to Anderson's recent struggles.
The decision to move on from Anderson wasn't easy, given his decorated past and former critical role in the lineup. But the harsh realities of his current performance and the need to infuse fresh talent have led the Marlins to this juncture. Vidal Bruján is also among the options being considered internally to fill the shortstop position, offering the team a range of strategies as they navigate the remainder of the season.
In summary, the Marlins' move to designate Tim Anderson for assignment highlights the challenges the team faces in a disappointing season. By bringing up Xavier Edwards, Miami aims to rejuvenate their roster with young talent, hoping for a spark to improve their fortunes as the trade deadline looms.