In need of corner infield help, Marlins cap franchise's most successful month with Rockies' rout

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The Miami Marlins capped their best month in franchise history in style.

Scoring at least one run in the opening three innings Tuesday at Coors Field, the Marlins cruised to a 14-3 victory. Utility infielder Javier Sanoja connected on a three-run, third-inning home run, providing what proved to be the game-winning runs.

The Marlins (46-40) finished June with a 20-6 record, the best monthly mark in franchise history. Their previous best record was 21-8 during May 2012.

Sanjoa, a third-year big leaguer, provided what MLB insiders project as the Marlins' biggest pre-trade deadline need: infield production.

The third-place Marlins remain in the NL Wild Card race, entering Tuesday one-half game behind the St. Louis Cardinals.

To maintain their postseason positioning in the fall, will the Marlins make a move to bolster their corner infield depth?

Marlins may need infielder for NL Wild Card race​

Perhaps outfielder/designated hitter Kyle Stowers could eventually develop into a long-term answer at first base. He amassed three hits, including a triple, two RBI and two runs scored. The fifth-year veteran could be an offensive answer, but will they continue to force-feed the position switch during the season?

The Marlins are also experimenting with outfield prospect Kemp Alderman at first base. Liam Hicks, a catcher, played the position Tuesday and went 2-for-6 with a run scored.

Third base remains a long-term organizational concern. Sanoja, who played shortstop Tuesday, continues to alternate time at third with Graham Pauley and Leo Jiménez. Sanoja was the answer Tuesday, going 3-for-5 with three RBI and three runs scored.

In his past seven games, Sanoja slashed .500/.859/1.326 over his past seven games.

Entering Tuesday, the Marlins' first basemen produced just seven homers and their third basemen combined for an NL-low .543 OPS.

Playoff help could be needed.

With the Marlins earning their all-time winningest month, how long will Marlins general manager Gabe Kapler wait until executing a deal to bolster their corner infield depth?

More MLB news:​

• Cam Schlittler's odyssey: Tigers ambush Yankees' starting pitcher
• Esmerlyn Valdez providing Pirates with progressive offensive spark
• Red Sox's Sonny Gray earns 2,000th MLB strikeout, stifles Yankees, loses no-hit bid
• Rangers OF Wyatt Langford's MLB progression stalled again by injury
• Mets' Bo Bichette still bothered by botched beginning

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