The Miami Marlins have found a spark in May, putting up a 12-13 record thanks to improved pitching, specifically from Braxton Garrett in two recent starts. He is not the only contributor though, as guys like Ryan Weathers and potential trade candidate Jesús Luzardo have also begun to step up in May. Notably, Garrett has pitched a pair of gems recently for the Marlins. One was a shutout against the reigning National League champion Arizona Diamondbacks. The other came on Wednesday against the San Diego Padres, where he went five innings giving up only one run. If he keeps this up he could be a consistent starting pitcher for the injury-stricken Marlins rotation.
Braxton Garrett had a solid start tonight, earns the win against the Padres:
5.0 IP, 6 H, 1 ER, 0 BB, 2 K, 63.6% Strike Rate on 88 pitches
Bullpen: 4.0 IP, 2 H, 0 ER, 1 BB@dferrel15
— Playbook Sports (@PlaybookSN) May 29, 2024
Marlins Lefty Braxton Garrett Dominates in Recent Starts
The Marlins drafted Braxton Garrett in 2016. He made his major-league debut in 2020, where he pitched in only 7 2/3 innings and gave up five earned runs. Garrett’s breakthrough came in 2023, when he posted a 9-7 record with a 3.66 ERA and a 1.146 WHIP. The lefty had an impressive 5.38 K/BB ratio, which ranked third in the National League and sixth in the majors, and he held opponents to one earned run or less in 16 starts in 2023.
Before the start of the 2024 season, Garrett encountered left shoulder soreness. This injury sidelined him for the first month of the season. The lefty was reinstated on May 9 and made his first start on May 12 against the Philadelphia Phillies. Unfortunately, he struggled in his first two outings, giving up a total of 11 runs with a 10.24 ERA in 9 2/3 innings pitched. After this, Garrett quickly turned things around and pitched his first-ever shutout against the Diamondbacks, only allowing four hits and no walks. The following start came on Wednesday against the Padres. Garrett went five solid innings, allowing one run on six hits and no walks.
Braxton Garrett needed only 95 pitches to go the distance and get the shutout in Arizona. 😮💨
He’s alongside @JessBlaylock to talk about his career night. 🎙 pic.twitter.com/1gL0UceTLS
— Bally Sports Florida & Bally Sports Sun (@BallySportsFL) May 25, 2024
Garrett’s performance in the coming months will be crucial for his future, as he is set to become a free agent following this season. However, amid a rebuilding phase, Miami could see his consistent pitching as a valuable trade asset. Garrett’s next game comes against the Tampa Bay Rays. Let’s see if he can have another solid outing for the Marlins and get them back toward their 2023 glory.
Photo Credit: © Rick Scuteri-USA TODAY Sports
