Marlins Manager Breaks Down How Pitchers Can Work on Athleticism

Miami Marlins manager Clayton McCullough shares insights on how pitchers focus on body movements and athleticism during spring training

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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In the first episode of the Marlins Radio Network's 'Spring with the Skipper' series, Miami Marlins manager Clayton McCullough discusses the team's pitchers' fielding practice (PFP) drills and how they work on improving their athleticism and body movements to enhance their skills. McCullough explains the purpose behind the nontraditional PFP exercises and how they challenge the pitchers in ways that go beyond the typical mundane drills.

Why it matters

Showcasing the behind-the-scenes training of professional baseball teams provides fans with a unique educational and entertaining perspective on how players prepare for the season. The Marlins' focus on developing their pitchers' overall athleticism, rather than just their pitching mechanics, highlights the multifaceted approach modern teams take to player development.

The details

During the PFP session, McCullough had the pitchers do drills that 'take them back to their high school days, acting like infielders' in order to challenge them athletically and improve their overall skills. The manager emphasized proper footwork and getting the ball back to the middle of the body, using veteran pitcher Sandy Alcantara as an example of a player who displayed good fundamentals. McCullough also praised reliever Anthony Bender for his impressive athleticism, noting that he 'gets a pass' from the more intense drills.

  • The episode of 'Spring with the Skipper' featuring the PFP session aired on the Marlins Radio Network on February 19, 2026.

The players

Clayton McCullough

The manager of the Miami Marlins who led the behind-the-scenes look at the team's pitchers' fielding practice during spring training.

Sandy Alcantara

A veteran pitcher for the Miami Marlins who displayed good fundamentals and a positive attitude during the PFP drills.

Anthony Bender

A relief pitcher for the Miami Marlins who was praised by McCullough for his impressive athleticism, with the manager noting that Bender 'gets a pass' from the more intense drills.

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What they’re saying

“It's a staple of spring training. We're going to split them up, and we try to make as much of our pitcher fielding practice. It's a little nontraditional; add in some elements of athleticism, getting them to do things that maybe take them back to their high school days, acting like infielders. We want this so they don't feel mundane as camp goes on. We believe if we can challenge them athletically, that will pay dividends.”

— Clayton McCullough, Marlins Manager (Marlins Radio Network)

“They probably do if they get in too big in a hurry. It's like just get it and chuck it. The worst thing that can happen right now is this ball; we don't get an out. The chances are if you get a ball back to you and you deliver a good strike here to Otto or whoever to get a chance to double play.”

— Clayton McCullough, Marlins Manager (Marlins Radio Network)

What’s next

The Marlins will continue to incorporate these types of athletic and skill-building drills throughout the remainder of spring training as they prepare for the upcoming MLB season.

The takeaway

The Marlins' focus on developing their pitchers' overall athleticism, rather than just their pitching mechanics, highlights the multifaceted approach modern baseball teams take to player development. By challenging their pitchers with drills that go beyond the typical spring training routine, the Marlins are aiming to give their players an edge and set them up for success in the regular season.