Newcomer Jonathan Davis’ performance has made him a steal for the Miami Marlins
A new chapter began in Jonathan Davis’ career on May 22 when he was traded to the Miami Marlins.
The organization’s hope was that he would shore up their defense and fill their void in center field that surfaced after Jazz Chisholm Jr. went on the injured list with turf toe.
He has given them so much more.
In addition to his sought-after defensive skills, Davis’ production on offense along with his high energy and infectious personality have made him almost invaluable over the past month for the Marlins, who have emerged as one of the top teams in the National League as the regular-season nears the halfway mark. Miami enters Monday with a 45-34 record, the third-best mark in the NL behind only the Atlanta Braves (50-27) and Arizona Diamondbacks (47-32).
“It’s a nice story, a good story,” Marlins general manager Kim Ng told the Miami Herald earlier this month. “Jazz goes down and we’re trying to figure out how to hold everything together. We were all combing through names trying to find someone, but one of our analysts identified Jonathan and brought his name up. It came down to several different candidates. Jonathan Davis was the one that we had to give up the most for. I think it was worth it. The deal ended up being a very good deal. Both clubs were happy, and we couldn’t ask him to do anything more than he’s done. He’s been great.”
Since making his debut with the Marlins on May 23, one day after being acquired from the Detroit Tigers for minor-league outfielder Brady Allen, Davis has been Miami’s primary center fielder, starting 22 of Miami’s 31 games at the position.
He is hitting .266 with a .744 on-base-slugging percentage and two home runs in 27 games played. His 20 runs scored lead the team since he was acquired.
His tenure started out on as high of a note as he could have imagined. Davis had back-to-back three-hit games in his first two starts after never having one in any of his first 171 career big-league games.
He further displayed his offensive prowess on Sunday, when he opened scoring in the third inning against the Pittsburgh Pirates with a 414-foot home run to left field in Miami’s eventual 2-0 win at loanDepot park.
It was the only run on the scoreboard for both teams through seven innings with Marlins starting pitcher Eury Perez holding Pittsburgh scoreless for six innings and striking out nine before handing the game to the bullpen.
“Great trade for our front office and for our team,” Marlins manager Skip Schumaker said after the win. “Honestly, I was thinking he’s gonna solidify the defense. Like, up the middle defense is gonna be really good when we get him. He’s provided more than enough offense and [he] was one of the big parts of winning the game today.”
With the All Star break approaching and two challenging road series ahead against Boston and Atlanta, the Marlins needed the win on Sunday to keep their momentum going.
“I think winning is fun in general,” Davis said. “But when you’re in a clubhouse with a group of guys who just allow you to be yourself, it’s pretty cool and it’s fun to watch and be a part of. You got some great leadership in the clubhouse and guys who’ve been around for a while. Then, you’ve got some young guys with a lot of talent. For me to come in here and be a part of it, I’m grateful. I’m thankful.”
Miami Herald sportswriter Jordan McPherson contributed to this report.
