Marlins get out to an early lead, surprise best team with the best record in the AL

Claimed off waivers from the Houston Astros one week before pitchers reported in February, right-handed reliever Declan Cronin saw an opportunity with the Marlins.

“The goal coming into this year was to solidify myself as a big-league pitcher,” Cronin said before Tuesday’s rousing 6-3 win against the Baltimore Orioles at loanDepot park, keyed by Jazz Chisholm Jr. “Last year, I was up and down a little bit. I really wanted this year to be the year I took that step forward.”

Beginning with three innings on Opening Day, in which he allowed one hit, one run, and struck out three, Cronin has been an asset in a bullpen that has been a rare bright spot this season.

“He’s done different things for us to help keep us in games or win games,” manager Skip Schumaker said. “His work ethic is fantastic. He fits in with his personality. So, he checks a lot of boxes for us.

“He was one of the really good acquisitions that [president of baseball operations] Peter [Bendix] made this offseason. I feel comfortable having him in all kinds of roles.”

Waived by the White Sox after nine appearances (11 ER in 11 IP) last season, Cronin continues to strive for consistency.

The rookie allowed four earned runs in 26 2/3 innings his first 28 appearances this season, but he surrendered eight in 12 1/3 innings in June and seven in 6.1 innings to start July before back-to-back scoreless outings.

In 34 total appearances, the 26-year-old is 2-2 with a 3.61 ERA, 52 strikeouts and 17 walks. His 47 1/3 innings pitched without a home run allowed ranks second in MLB this season and is two shy of Jay Powell’s franchise record set in 1997.

“When my body is in sync in terms of timing, it doesn’t feel like I need to try too hard to make things happen,” Cronin said. “I like to say my best outings go by in the blink of an eye. …You’re dictating the pace and you’re the aggressor.”

The Marlins have turned to their bullpen early in most games this season, but they forced the American League’s best team (60-39) to do so Tuesday.

Orioles starter Albert Suárez lasted just two-plus innings, surrendering six runs on eight hits. The right-hander exited after three consecutive hits in the third.

The Marlins scored twice in the frame on Xavier Edwards’ sacrifice fly to center and Nick Gordon’s RBI groundout. That followed four runs in the second inning.

Jesús Sánchez homered 429 feet to right field, Nick Gordon singled to score a run, and Chisholm doubled — hustling to stretch out an apparent single — to drive in two more runs.

Suddenly, Kyle Tyler’s start was less stressful.

“It’s awesome. It’s always a great feeling to see runs go up on the board,” said Tyler, recalled from Triple A Jacksonville Tuesday for his third stint in the majors this season. “It’s more of a confidence boost to go out and try to make them swing rather than pitching carefully.”

Tyler pitched 4 2/3 innings and allowed three runs on nine hits. He struck out five and walked two.

Jordan Westburg singled off Tyler for a 1-0 lead in the first inning, and the Orioles tacked on two more runs in the third on four hits.

Tyler escaped further damage thanks to Chisholm’s tremendous throw from center field. The dart nabbed Colton Cowser sliding into third base on Ryan Mountcastle’s single and ended the Orioles’ half of the third.

Cowser had just driven in a run with an infield single, beating Tyler to the bag by half a step after Josh Bell’s short toss. Earlier in the inning, Ryan O’Hearn singled to slice the Marlins’ lead to 4-2.

After Tyler’s departure, Bryan Hoeing, Andrew Nardi and A.J. Puk set up closer Tanner Scott’s 17^th save. Puk pitched two innings of relief without allowing a baserunner for the third time this season.

“Puk is getting ridiculous,” Schumaker said. “I don’t know if there is a better pitcher right now in the league — what he’s doing — other than Tanner in the bullpen.”

As for Chisholm, if he is indeed dealt by the trade deadline July 30, he will leave having put on quite a show for Marlins fans in his final days. In addition to his two hits, two RBI and the throw to third, Chisholm stole two bases Tuesday.

“Jazz took the game over at times,” Schumaker said.

“I try my best to go hard every day,” Chisholm said. “Especially when guys are doing what they’re supposed to do, I try to put my extra in it to help us win.

“I felt pretty comfortable today,” Chisholm added. “I didn’t have a good [batting practice] and my teammates said, ‘Watch what happens in the game today. You’re going to do great and we’re going to go out there and bust them.’ And that’s what happened.”

Injury update

RHP Sandy Alcantara will throw a bullpen session Wednesday. LHP Josh Simpson threw a 35-pitch bullpen Tuesday and will throw one to two more bullpens before facing live batting practice.

Lefties Braxton Garrett and Ryan Weathers have begun playing catch. RHP Sixto Sánchez is completing activities in Jupiter and building intensity with throwing and bullpens. RHP Eury Pérez and LHP Jesús Luzardo are “doing well.” Both are working on strengthening.

Roster move

Right-hander Yonny Chirinos was designated for assignment after allowing the Mets five runs (two homers) in five innings in Monday’s start.