Some final Marlins pitcher and catcher observations ahead of ‘hectic’ full-squad workouts

Quick hits from the Miami Marlins’ spring training practice on Sunday, the last day before the team begins full-squad spring training workouts in Jupiter.

▪ The bulk of the pitchers projected to either be in the starting rotation or to compete for the final spots threw bullpen sessions on Sunday. Sandy Alcantara and Jose Urena were among the first group along with Brandon Kintzler, the favorite heading into camp to be the Marlins’ closer. Pablo Lopez and Caleb Smith were in the second group, along with relievers Yimi Garcia, Sterling Sharp and Jeff Brigham as well as highly touted prospect Jorge Guzman.

While pitching coach Mel Stottlemyre Jr. and new bullpen coach Wellington Cepeda spent most of the time standing behind the groups, Stottlemyre was pretty hands on with both Lopez and Urena. Stottlemyre talked with Lopez at least three times during his bullpen session, giving feedback after about every 10 pitches. Chad Wallach was also relatively vocal while catching both Lopez and Urena, shouting words of encouragement every few pitches.

▪ While the pitching prospect hype is centered around Sixto Sanchez, Edward Cabrera and Guzman, Marlins manager Don Mattingly said he has been impressed with the demeanor of left-handed pitchers Braxton Garrett and Trevor Rogers through the first week of their big-league camp.

Garrett and Rogers were the Marlins’ first-round picks in 2016 and 2017, respectively, and finished last season with the Double A Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp.

“They look like they have a handle on their delivery,” Mattingly said. “You love seeing guys that are throwing with a purpose. They’re pretty precise with their work and what they’re trying to do. They’re not searching for anything and trying to force it.”

▪ Mattingly said he feels the Marlins have “a number of guys” who can fill the long-relief role in their bullpen. Among those are Sharp, Stephen Tarpley and Adam Conley. Elieser Hernandez, who is competing to be in the starting rotation, could be a factor as well.

▪ Catchers took batting practice on the spring training complex field just outside the Marlins’ clubhouse. Francisco Cervelli’s swing looked smooth in his three rounds, most of which had bench coach James Rowson and hitting coach Eric Duncan standing behind him.

▪ What does Mattingly anticipate for the first day of full-squad workouts on Monday?

“Hectic,” Mattingly said. “We get all those guys the first few days, try to get routines down.”

Mattingly said he anticipates live batting practice to begin the second day.

▪ New faces to watch for among position players expected to make the 26-man roster or at least compete for a spot include Cervelli, first baseman Jesus Aguilar, versatile infielder Jonathan Villar, outfielders Corey Dickerson and Matt Joyce, and non-roster invites Matt Kemp and Sean Rodriguez.

The top prospects joining camp on Monday: Outfielder JJ Bleday, outfielder Jesus Sanchez, shortstop Jazz Chisholm, outfielder Monte Harrison, shortstop Jose Devers, first baseman Lewin Diaz, outfielder Victor Victor Mesa, outfielder Jerar Encarnacion and outfielder Brian Miller.

▪ Grapefruit League games begin on Saturday, with the Marlins traveling to Port St. Lucie to face the New York Mets. Their first home game at Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium is Sunday against the Washington Nationals.