He was the opening day leadoff hitter, the hometown kid, one of the most ballyhooed prospects the Marlins received over the winter when they stripped the roster of stars.
But, so far, it’s been no joy ride for Lewis Brinson.
The 24-year-old rookie has remained mired in a season-long hitting funk so severe that the Marlins are trying to determine what the next step should be.
How long do they allow Brinson to take his lumps against big-league pitching? Do they continue to let him learn on the job at the major league level -- hoping for a breakout?