All rookies go through it. For Miami Marlins’ outfielder Lewis Brinson, the slump he is experiencing may lead to a demotion to Triple-A New Orleans.
According to Joe Frisaro of MLB.com, Brinson’s batting average has dipped to .140. The organization is paying close attention to how he is handling the slump. On Wednesday, manager Don Mattingly made it clear that the club is sticking with its top prospect per MLB Pipeline.
For now.
“Brinson has a strong work ethic, and after Tuesday’s game, he was in the batting cage with hitting coach Mike Pagliarulo working on his swing,” Friasro explained. “Part of this season is about development, and that is continuing — to some degree — in the big leagues. Brinson has already been a standout at Triple-A, last year hitting .331. So as long as he’s working hard and adjusting, and not showing signs of losing confidence, he likely will stay.”
Lewis Brinson was the centerpiece of the trade that sent outfielder Christian Yelich to the Milwaukee Brewers prior to Spring Training. Brinson, a Ft. Lauderdale native, impressed the coaching staff in camp to earn one of the four outfielder slots on the 25-man roster.
Timing at the plate has been an issue for Brinson, 23. Per Frisaro, “Clearly, off-speed pitches are giving him trouble. Teams are constantly testing him with breaking balls. According to Statcast™, 46.67 percent of the pitches Brinson has seen have been off-speed, the second-highest percentage among any player on the club.”
The Marlins have seen flashes of his defense early this season, which is something the team likes for the future. Lewis Brinson told the media upon being traded from the Brewers that is had been his life-long dream to play for the Marlins in his home city. He even had an opportunity to meet his childhood hero, former Marlins’ star Juan Pierre in Training Camp.
The Marlins are 3-9 so far this season, last in the National League East division.