JJ Bleday had the best game of his young major league career on Wednesday. The rookie outfielder went 3-for-3 with a walk and had direct involvement in all three runs that the Marlins scored against the Phillies. It came in a loss, but what a valiant individual effort, nonetheless. Very encouraging for a Marlins team that has been starving for offense throughout much of the summer.
Here’s what made Bleday’s performance extraordinary: he did it from the fourth spot in the lineup.
The Marlins have had a cleanup carousel in 2022. In April alone, Don Mattingly used six different players in that role.