ROOKIE REPORT

This is a new segment to look at the best and brightest rookies in the MLB. There aren’t too many that have qualified for the batting title or pitching accolades yet but the list will expand as the season progresses.

3rd baseman Miguel Andujar, NY Yankees: Stat line: .285/.295/.497 13 doubles, 2 triples, 5 home runs and 17 RBIs with a .1 WAR. Andujar secured his spot on the roster after a hot spring. He is competing for playing time in a crowded Yankees infield. He has a lot of room for improvement with a 10 to 1 strikeout to walk ratio.

3rd baseman Brian Anderson, Miami Marlins: Stat line: .273/.357/.381 11 doubles, 1 triple, 2 home runs and 21 RBIs with a .9 WAR. With very little competition for at bats, Brian Anderson has gotten a good look at the major league level. He’s split his games between third and right field. The 25 year old has split his time because of his questionable glove at third but his bat has kept him in the lineup.

Starter Caleb Smith, Miami Marlins: Stat line: 10 starts, 3-5 record with a 3.83 ERA, 1.22 WHIP and a .5 WAR. Smith is one of many rookie fill-ins after the offseason sell off. He’s held his own for the most part. Smith is pretty good when he command is on point but when it’s off, look for a short start. In the three starts when he’s walked four or more, he’s never gotten past the third inning. His ERA has gone steadily gone down since his first for four starts.

On Deck: Ronald Acuna, Shohei Ohtani, Gleyber Torres.