17 Chad Wallach C

Wallach will start at catcher and bat seventh Sunday against the Braves, Joe Frisaro of MLB.com reports.

Wallach is entering the lineup for just the second time in eight games with top backstop Jorge Alfaro receiving a maintenance day. The non-contending Marlins don't have much incentive to even out the distribution of starts behind the plate with Alfaro viewed as a member of their near- and long-term core, so expect Wallach's playing time to remain fairly scarce throughout the season, unless an injury to Alfaro intervenes.

Wallach went 1-for-3 with a walk, a solo home run and a second run scored in Monday's loss to the Cubs.

The catcher took Yu Darvish deep in the fourth inning for his first homer of the year. Jorge Alfaro (chest) is banged up at the moment, so Wallach could see consistent at-bats in the short term. He's taken advantage of his opportunities so far, slashing .333/.462/.524 in eight games, but the 27-year-old's .619 career OPS indicates the bottom could drop out of his numbers in a hurry.

Wallach will start at catcher and bat seventh Sunday against the Braves, Joe Frisaro of MLB.com reports.

With top backstop Jorge Alfaro receiving a routine maintenance day, Wallach will check into the lineup for third time this season. Wallach isn't expected to play more than a couple times per week so long as Alfaro is healthy and therefore doesn't warrant much attention in the fantasy realm.

Wallach went 2-for-3 with a home run, two RBI, two runs scored and a walk Thursday against Houston.

Wallach drove in a run during the second inning on a single and went deep in the third. The 27-year-old backstop has gone 3-for-12 in spring games and could see substantial playing time at the beginning of the regular season depending on Jorge Alfaro's (knee) health.

Wallach (quadriceps) will start at catcher and bat eighth in Sunday's spring game against the Braves.

Wallach has been battling the quad injury since Feb. 28 but will make his return to the lineup Sunday. The 25-year-old has a chance to showcase himself while Jorge Alfaro continues to battle knee inflammation, though the team still expects Alfaro to be ready for Opening Day.