Trending Now - Dolphins Qb's Pitch Draws Unfavorable Mahomes Comparisons

WHO:

MLB.com - Malik Willis, Dolphins quarterback

MLB.com - Patrick Mahomes, Chiefs quarterback and three-time Super Bowl MVP

MLB.com - Joe Mack, Marlins No. 4 prospect

MLB.com - Clayton McCullough, Marlins manager

MLB.com - Darius Butler, former NFL player

WHAT:

MLB.com - Malik Willis threw a first pitch that went far outside the reach of infielder Graham Pauley.

MLB.com - Willis signed a three-year deal with Miami.

MLB.com - Joe Mack was recalled from Triple-A Jacksonville to make his Major League debut.

MLB.com - Mack started at catcher and hit seventh in the Marlins' 1-0 loss to the Phillies.

MLB.com - Mack had a batting line of .244/.388/.378 with two doubles, three homers, and nine RBIs in 24 games prior to his call-up.

MLB.com - Mack was selected 31st overall in the 2021 MLB Draft.

MLB.com - Mack had a .806 OPS in 2024 and helped the Jumbo Shrimp win the International League and Triple-A national championships.

WHERE:

MLB.com - The first pitch was thrown before a Marlins game at loanDepot park.

MLB.com - Mack traveled from Durham, N.C., to Miami.

WHEN:

MLB.com - The Marlins made the official announcement of Mack's promotion on a Monday.

MLB.com - Mack was a 2024 Minor League Gold Glove winner.

WHY:

MLB.com - Darius Butler defended Willis's first pitch by comparing it to a similar errant throw by Mahomes.

MLB.com - Mack's promotion was a response to the need for improved performance after optioning Agustín Ramírez to Triple-A.

HOW:

MLB.com - Mack changed his training approach during the 2023-24 offseason, focusing on hunting fastballs early in counts.

MLB.com - Mack was added to the 40-man roster to protect him from the Rule 5 Draft.

(UPDATED May 5, 2026 04:08 UTC)

In a notable event at loanDepot park, Malik Willis, the Dolphins quarterback, threw a first pitch that went far outside the reach of infielder Graham Pauley, while Darius Butler humorously defended the throw by comparing it to a similar errant pitch by Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes. Meanwhile, the Marlins announced the promotion of Joe Mack, who made his Major League debut as a catcher in a tight 1-0 loss to the Phillies, after a successful season with the Jumbo Shrimp where he helped secure the International League and Triple-A national championships. Mack, who was selected 31st overall in the 2021 MLB Draft and had a batting line of .244/.388/.378 prior to his call-up, had adjusted his training approach to focus on hunting fastballs early in counts, leading to his addition to the 40-man roster.