MIAMI — Stuck in a four-game losing streak to start the season, and fresh off a playoff appearance the year before, Miami Marlins outfielder Jazz Chisholm Jr. addressed the club’s decision to open the retractable roof on top of LoanDepot Park this weekend.
The facility’s roof was open for three of four games against the Pirates, the last of which completed a Pittsburgh sweep as the Marlins fell 9-7 in extra innings Sunday afternoon.
“That we couldn’t see,” Chisholm said after Sunday’s loss, when asked what made the Pirates relief pitchers such a challenge in the series. “That’s all. I feel like the shadows were really — we’re not used to playing in shadows. We normally play inside every day.
“So, when we get a shadow for three of the four games at home for the first time of the season, it’s kind of hard to adjust to. You know, we’re used to the roof being closed and being able to see every at-bat. It’s kind of tough to see when it’s black out there and you’re facing a guy throwing 101 [mph], you know?”
Chisholm hit a grand slam in the loss, but all told in the series, Miami was outscored 31-17. The Marlins were the last big league team without a homer before Chisholm’s shot capped a five-run first inning against Bailey Falter.
“We’re frustrated about the 1-run games, the close games, the extra-inning games,” Chisholm said. “It’s not easy to lose close games; you’d rather lose a blowout.
“But it’s still the beginning of the season, the first four games of the season, we’re not really worried.”
Of baseball’s stadiums with retractable roofs, LoanDepot Park traditionally ranks the lowest in number of outdoor games. South Florida’s weather patterns in the spring and summer — with quick thunderstorms a regular occurrence, especially in the early evening hours — don’t allow the Marlins to take the top off much.
According to a Fox Weather report published in March 2023, the Marlins opened the roof a total of just five times in 2021 and 2022.
But there’s a chance the outdoor games continue this week, as Miami continues a homestand. On Monday, right-handed pitcher Max Meyer will start the opener of a three-game set against the Los Angeles Angels at LoanDepot Park.
“Everybody goes through rough stretches,” Chisholm said, referring to the winless start. “We just have to learn how to make those rough stretches short.”
The Associated Press contributed to this report.