Miami Marlins Power-Hitter Josh Bell Does Something No Marlins Player Has Ever Done

The Miami Marlins were swept by the Los Angeles Dodgers on Saturday in a doubleheader.

Both games were 3-1 Dodgers victories. A doubleheader was necessitated by looming Hurricane Hilary, which forced multiple schedule alterations around baseball. 

Despite the doubleheader sweep, the Marlins got continued productivity from newcomer Josh Bell, who accomplished something that no Marlins player has ever done.

Per Sarah Langs of MLB.com:

most HR in 1st 17 games with Marlins: 

2001 Charles Johnson: 7 

2023 Josh Bell: 6 

1998 Derrek Lee: 6 

1997 Moises Alou: 6 

Bell’s are the most for a Marlin whose 1st 17 games came outside of April

Bell was acquired from the Cleveland Guardians at the trade deadline to provide some pop for the Marlins order, and he's done just that.

Over his last 15 games, he's hitting .259 with five home runs and nine RBI. For the year, he's hitting .242 across 413 at-bats. He's got 17 home runs and 59 RBI. He's in his eighth major league season with the Pirates, Nationals, Padres, Guardians and Marlins.

After the two losses, the Marlins are now 64-61. They are 0.5 games back of the third and final wild card spot in the National League. They are seeking their first playoff berth since the pandemic-shortened 2020 season.

They will be off on Sunday before beginning a huge series with the Padres on Monday night. First pitch in that game will be 9:40 p.m. ET. 

The Padres are also trying to stay alive in the playoff race. They are 5.5 games back in the wild card race entering play on Sunday. They are also off on Sunday because of the weather.