Yuli Gurriel may have metaphorically forced the Marlins’ hand in the decision for the final roster spot. The first baseman was a non-roster signing during the fourth week of spring training games on March 9, along with shortstop José Iglesias. It is likely only one of them makes the season-opening 26-man roster, and both players can opt out of their contracts if the team doesn’t select them.
Saturday’s game against the St. Louis Cardinals was the final one prior to their opt-out opportunity. Gurriel made his seventh start for Miami (Iglesias has played in six and started four).