The Tribune

By RENALDO DORSETT

Tribune Sports Reporter

rdorsett@tribunemedia.net

MIAMI Marlins prospect Ian Lewis made his debut in Single-A baseball and provided an immediate boost to the Jupiter Hammerheads lineup in one of their highest scoring games of the season thus far.

Lewis went 2-5 with an RBI, stolen base and a run scored in the Hammerheads’ 9-3 win over the Bradenton Marauders at Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium in Jupiter, Florida.

In the bottom of the second inning, Lewis singled on a fly ball to score Jose Salas. Both Lewis and Kahil Watson would eventually score on a throwing error to give the Hammerheads a 6-1 lead.

After the pandemic delayed his debut on the diamond by a year, Lewis had an immediate impact the following season and was recognised by the Marlins’ organisation as one of the top performers in its farm system.

Lewis was named the Florida Complex League MVP when the Marlins named their Minor League Award winners for the 2021 season.

In his first season of professional baseball, he played 43 games, predominantly at second base in the FCL. He hit .302, with a .354 OBP, slugging .497 and an .851 OBP. He had an FCL leading five triples, three home runs, 10 doubles, nine stolen bases, 45 hits, 27 RBI and 24 runs scored. He began his season with a brief assignment in the Dominican Summer League before the team eventually reassigned him to the Florida Complex League six days later on June 28. He hit a two-run homer in his pro debut against the FCL Mets on June 29.

“A switch-hitter with a quick swing from both sides of the plate, he has gotten stronger since signing and opened eyes by displaying at least average power in his debut. His hand-eye coordination and patient approach allow him to make consistent contact, though he’ll have to prove he can handle quality breaking balls at higher levels,” Lewis’ MLB Pipeline analysis said. “With his well above-average speed, Lewis is a base-stealing threat and covers ground in the middle infield.

The Marlins believe he has the actions and solid arm strength to handle shortstop, though he probably won’t get much of a chance as he rises through the Minors alongside Kahlil Watson and Jose Salas.

“Lewis spent most of last summer at second base, where his quick hands help him turn double plays, and can become an average or better defender as he develops more consistency.”