Soler debuts with Miami; gives 2 hits vs. Matz

JUPITER, Fla. — Signed for his hitting, Jorge Soler was a hit in his debut with the Miami Marlins.

In fact, the MVP of the last World Series had two hits before taking his place on defense.

The Cuban, the Marlins’ biggest acquisition for next season, was first in the order and hit a pair of singles in the top of the first inning on Saturday against St. Louis, against Steven Matz.

Later, he posted a third hit in a 9-2 victory.

“The first day was very good,” said Soler, who hit leadoff in 11 games last season and hit four homers from there.

He then became the only player in history to hit a home run in the first at-bat of the World Series. He thus directed the Atlanta Braves to the coronation against the Houston Astros.

In the Fall Classic, Soler totaled three home runs in six games.

The power of the Cuban is unquestionable. He has hit .246 for his career with 121 homers and 343 RBIs over eight major league seasons.

He led the American League with 48 home runs in 2019. That year, with Kansas City, was the last he stole a base.

The Royals traded him to Atlanta in late July 2021. After that trade, he hit 14 of his 27 homers.

Soler opened Saturday’s duel finding a pitch from Matz. The ball hit the third line, despite a dive by Nolan Arenado, winner of the Gold Glove.

Later, in the same entrance, Soler shot a line shot to the central forest.

He scored two runs and went 3-for-4.

The 30-year-old outfielder has spent just four days in preseason camp after signing a three-year, $36 million deal. Under these conditions, manager Don Mattingly was somewhat concerned that early success had put him at greater risk of injury.

“It’s his first game and he was probably a little excited,” the driver said. “He wasn’t going to start out relaxed, was he? So that’s what made me a little nervous.”