Joe

Panik

Panik elected free agency after being outrighted off the Marlins’ 40-man roster in October, and didn’t latch on with another team. The 29th pick of the 2011 draft was a regular for the Giants from 2015-2019 and retires with a career slash of .264/.328/.372.

Panik was removed from the Marlins’ 40-man roster after being designated for assignment last week and has refused an outright assignment. The 30-year-old journeyman infielder hit .208/.266/.284 with three homers and two steals across 257 plate appearances this season. He’ll likely have to settle for a minor-league deal with an invite to spring training this offseason.

Panik really struggled after being acquired from the Blue Jays and will get an early start to his offseason. He might have to settle for a minor league deal this winter.

Rojas has dealt with a toe issue in recent days, so the Marlins are not going to push him to play both games. He is tentatively expected to be back for the second game. Jazz Chisholm Jr. will start at shortstop in Game 1 while Joe Panik will play second base. Also of note, Nick Fortes will make a start behind the plate.

Rojas was also sidelined on Sunday. Jazz Chisholm Jr. will cover shortstop once again on Monday while Joe Panik gets another start at second base.

It sounds like a day-to-day situation. Joe Panik will cover first base and bat fifth for Miami on Tuesday night against the Mets and right-hander Carlos Carrasco.

Panik has been out since mid-August on the COVID-19 injured list. He’s hit .216 with three homers and two steals across 210 plate appearances this season.

Both players can be added as soon as Wednesday, September 1. Rogers made his second rehab start over the weekend and appears on track to make his return Friday against the Phillies.

No reason has been given yet as to why Panik was placed on the injured list. The 30-year-old has hit just .171/.267/.224 with one homer and four RBI in 87 plate appearances with the Marlins this season.

Homers don’t come often for Panik; he’s totaled 13 in 328 games since the beginning of 2018. The Marlins seem poised to give him ample playing time at third base until Brian Anderson returns, but offensive outbursts should be few and far between.