The Miami Marlins made a significant roster move by designating veteran shortstop Tim Anderson for assignment. This decision marks a notable turn in the career of Anderson, a two-time All-Star and former batting champion, who struggled significantly this season.
Struggles on the Field
Anderson's performance this season has been far from his usual standards. Despite signing a one-year contract worth $5 million in the offseason, he has been unable to find his form. Over the course of 65 games, Anderson posted a disappointing .214/.237/.226 slash line. His struggles at the plate were highlighted by a career-high strikeout rate of 28.2% of his plate appearances and managing only three extra-base hits in 234 at-bats.
Defensively, Anderson also had issues, committing an error in Sunday's game against the Philadelphia Phillies. These woes have led to his overall career OPS+ dropping to 95, with a stark decline to 51 OPS+ over his most recent 765 plate appearances.
Marlins' Season Performance
The Marlins are currently enduring a tough season, holding a 30-54 record. With the July 30 trade deadline approaching, the team is likely positioning itself as active sellers. The decision to designate Anderson for assignment and bring up infielder Xavier Edwards reflects a move towards reshuffling and looking for better performances as they navigate a challenging season.
Introducing Xavier Edwards
To fill the void left by Anderson, the Marlins have called up Xavier Edwards. In 33 games, Edwards has posted a .287/.333/.333 slash line, translating to an 80 OPS+. While Edwards' performance at the plate shows promise, it will be crucial for him to stabilize the latter part of the Marlins' infield. Additionally, Vidal Bruján remains another internal option to take the shortstop position if additional depth is needed.
As the Marlins continue to restructure and re-evaluate their roster, these moves underline the team's efforts to find a competitive edge and perhaps even salvage some victories in a season that's been riddled with challenges. For Anderson, this juncture presents an opportunity to potentially recalibrate and seek new beginnings elsewhere, in hopes of recapturing the form that once made him one of the league's premier shortstops.
The coming weeks will undoubtedly test the Marlins' strategies and the resilience of their players, as they aim to conclude the season on a more positive note.