Marlins choosing to buck MLB norm with how pitchers prepare

PORT ST. LUCIE — The Marlins have changed the way their starters prepare between outings by having them throw a version of live batting practice on the field rather than go through the traditional bullpen day, The Post has learned.

The team calls these “Live Pitch Design Sessions” and began implementing them in the second half last season on the lowest level of their minors, the Dominican Summer League and the Complex League. The Marlins intend to do this on every level this year, including the majors. In fact, this is how they have been preparing starters all spring training with the intention of carrying it through to the regular season.

It is not mandatory, but so far ace Sandy Alcántara and all the other starters have adhered to this policy, a source told The Post.

President of baseball operations Peter Bendix did not want to publicly comment on the policy when reached. But sources tell The Post that the rebuilding team knows it will get pushback and criticism for trying something different. However, the Marlins feel that doing it this way will heighten pitcher focus in preparation better than via more relaxed bullpen sessions, potentially improve pitcher command and also give hitters — usually reserves who do not play much — more live at-bats in their actual game environment.