The Miami Marlins found themselves on the losing end of a 6-2 contest against the Milwaukee Brewers on Sunday, despite an impressive performance from Xavier Edwards. Edwards, a versatile player recalled earlier this month, shone brightly as he hit for the cycle, marking a significant achievement in his burgeoning career.
Edwards Hits for the Cycle
Edwards's journey to the elusive cycle began modestly with a walk in the third inning. However, he quickly turned up the heat by hitting a double later in the same inning. By the seventh inning, Edwards showcased his speed and precision with a triple to the gap in right-center. To cap off his remarkable outing, Edwards hit a single against Brewers closer Devin Williams in the ninth inning, completing the cycle.
This achievement is notable not only as a personal milestone for Edwards but also within the context of the Marlins’ franchise history. Edwards’s cycle is only the second in team history, following Luis Arraez's cycle on April 11, 2023.
A Season of Cycles
In the broader MLB landscape, Edwards's cycle is the third recorded in the 2024 season. Wyatt Langford and Yordan Alvarez previously achieved this rare feat on June 30 and July 21, respectively. This places Edwards among a select group of players who have managed to complete the challenging task of hitting a single, double, triple, and home run in a single game within the same season.
A Career Milestone
The game also saw Edwards hit his first career MLB home run in what was his 184th game. This milestone adds a layer of significance to his overall performance, accentuating his development as a player and his contribution to the team. Each hit he made showcased his versatility and knack for making impactful plays, traits that have clearly endeared him to the Marlins and their fans.
Filling Big Shoes
Edwards’s rise comes in the wake of significant roster changes for the Marlins. Earlier this month, he was recalled to fill the shortstop position after Tim Anderson was released. Additionally, the Marlins traded Jazz Chisholm Jr. to the Yankees, making room for Edwards to take over as shortstop and assume a spot at the top of the Miami lineup. Since his recall, Edwards has been performing at an exceptional level, slashing .393/.470/.512 in 25 games.
The Marlins' management and fans alike have reasons to be optimistic about Edwards’s future contributions. His performance on Sunday was a testament to his ability to rise to the occasion and deliver under pressure, highlighting a bright spot in an otherwise challenging season for the team.
Despite the loss to the Brewers, Xavier Edwards’s cycle and the milestones he achieved underscore his potential and promise as an integral part of the Miami Marlins’ roster. His remarkable day at the plate serves as a reminder of the unpredictable and thrilling nature of baseball, where individual brilliance can shine even amid team adversity.