MIAMI – Although Marlins manager Skip Schumaker may not possess prophetic abilities, he accurately anticipated the challenges facing right-hander Max Meyer ahead of Tuesday night’s 8-2 defeat to the Reds at loanDepot park. Meyer, the Marlins’ No. 4 prospect and ranked 79th overall by MLB Pipeline, is seen as having significant potential as a frontline starter due to his impressive demeanor, strong work ethic, and pitching arsenal.
However, Schumaker warned that Meyer is still developing. Tuesday’s game was only his eighth major league start and his third since returning from Triple-A Jacksonville. Additionally, Meyer had been sidelined for 20 months prior to early April due to Tommy John surgery.
In the game, Meyer set personal records for runs (six), hits (eight), and walks (three) over four innings. Notably, he allowed more walks than strikeouts for the first time in his career, with a strike rate of just 56.6 percent, the lowest of his major league tenure, excluding a game he exited early due to an elbow injury.
“I just didn’t have it tonight; my stuff wasn’t sharp,” Meyer admitted. “I know I can perform better and will do so in the future.”
Meyer managed a scoreless first inning despite a single by Elly De La Cruz. However, in the second inning, Tyler Stephenson hit a home run on a slider that hung in the zone. Meyer also walked Jake Fraley but ended the inning by inducing a groundout from Noelvi Marte. This performance was indicative of Meyer struggling with his slider, which is typically a strong pitch for him. Prior to the game, his slider had a low expected slugging percentage against it, but it was less effective on this occasion.
Stephenson mentioned that he was not initially planning to swing but took advantage of the hanging slider, hitting it out of the park.
In the third inning, Meyer faced further difficulties. After allowing a double to De La Cruz and a walk to Spencer Steer, TJ Friedl hit an RBI double. Although Meyer managed to retire two of the next three batters, he left the bases loaded.
During the game, home plate umpire Alan Porter talked to Meyer about maintaining eye contact with hitters, a sign that Meyer was feeling the pressure and the pace of the game was getting to him.
Meyer’s fourth inning was equally challenging, requiring 23 pitches. The Reds loaded the bases on two singles and a hit-by-pitch. De La Cruz then hit a two-run double, and after a mound visit, Meyer allowed a sacrifice fly and a two-out RBI single.
Meyer reflected on his performance, noting that he needs to return to his strengths. He acknowledged that while he experimented with his new sinker, he deviated from his more reliable pitches, including his effective four-seam fastball and slider.
Schumaker recognized the areas where Meyer needs improvement. “He’s not a finished product,” Schumaker said. “There’s work to be done, but he’s a competitor and a hard worker. I’m confident he’ll come back stronger and likely have a great bullpen session next time.”
Despite the setbacks, Schumaker remains optimistic about Meyer’s future, believing that his potential will shine through with continued effort and refinement.
