Mack's First HR Sparks Jumbo Shrimp

0:00It's April 8th. Welcome to MLB News today, powered by AI and ready for first pitch. Miami-Marlins top-catching prospect Joe Mack finally cracked the scoreboard with his first home run of the season, Tuesday night for the Jacksonville, Jumbo Shrimp. The 23-year-old has been in a slow start, batting 167 with a 3-10 on base and 292 slugging through seven gains. Coming off next stiffness in spring training that kept him day-to-day, Mack has drawn five walks, but also struck out seven times in 29 plate. Appearances. Still, that Homer gives him one RBI and could spark some momentum early in the year. Fans and scouts see no panic yet, knowing Mack's patience and consistency from five prior minor league seasons. He's never dipped below 250 at the plate long-term, and his defense behind the dish is elite, shutting down wild pitches like a pro. One area he needs to sharpen is cutting strikeouts. Reposting a nearly 28% rate in AAA last year, the Marlins want that fix to push him toward

1:04the majors, where high-k rates plague too many talents. Tonight he faces the Norfolk tides, building on that long ball to heat up his bat, and prove he's ready for the next step.