Miami Marlins observations: Updates on Rogers, Garrett, Brujan, Chargois, Johnston

A few quick updates from Miami Marlins manager Skip Schumaker ahead of Saturday’s spring training game against the New York Mets at Jupiter’s Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium.

▪ Left-handed pitcher Trevor Rogers, who pitched just 18 innings in four MLB starts in 2023 before his season was derailed by injuries, threw a live batting practice session on Thursday that “was really good,” Schumaker said.

“The velo was good. The secondary was great,” Schumaker said. “We really didn’t know what that was going to look like because it has been a while. He was throwing 93-94 mph in a setting with not much adrenaline. To see that and to see the changeup thrown for strikes and the slider was good. A lot of positives.”

Rogers’ next step is starting in a Grapefruit League game, which Schumaker said should happen in “a couple days and he will be on normal rest.” That likely has Rogers in line to pitch on Tuesday. When he does make his 2024 spring debut, Schumaker said he’ll throw about 20 pitches.

Schumaker said that barring any setbacks, this should have Rogers “trending to fighting for an Opening Day roster spot.”

Rogers and fellow lefty Braxton Garrett (shoulder soreness) have been slowly progressing through their throwing programs during spring training. Garrett has yet to throw a live batting practice session, let alone pitch in a spring game, but is building toward that.

Should neither make the Opening Day roster, Miami’s rotation to begin the season will likely be Jesus Luzardo (already announced as the Opening Day starter), Eury Perez, A.J. Puk, Edward Cabrera and one of Ryan Weathers or Max Meyer, with George Soriano and Bryan Hoeing also depth options that can be considered.

▪ A lot can happen between now and March 28 when the Marlins open the season against the Pittsburgh Pirates, but Schumaker said “there’s a high likelihood” that switch-hitting utility player Vidal Brujan will make the Marlins’ 26-man roster.

“He’s got a really good chance to make the team,” Schumaker said. “He’s versatile. He’s done enough in Triple A. He can run. He switch hits. He can do a lot of things for us. I haven’t told him that he’s made the team or anything like that, but I would anticipate him being part of our club.”

▪ Right-handed reliever JT Chargois is scheduled to throw a bullpen session on Saturday after dealing with neck spasms over the past week.

“We need him,” Schumaker said. “He’s a big part of that bullpen and has some firepower that can get righties out. He was working on a couple of different pitch shapes — a cutter to work off the slider to get lefties out — but needs to work on it in bullpens and in the game. He feels a lot better. Hoping to see him soon.”

▪ First baseman Troy Johnston, Miami’s No. 18 prospect according to Baseball America, rolled his ankle trying to run out a groundball in the Marlins’ 6-6 tie against the Philadelphia Phillies on Friday in Clearwater. Schumaker said Johnston’s ankle is “pretty swollen” but he didn’t break any bones. Johnston will not play this weekend.