MIAMI (AP) — The Miami Marlins hit the road for the next nine games, which will give their grounds crew some time to revive the fading turf at the team’s new ballpark.
The grass has been turning brown because the retractable roof was closed more than anticipated in April.
The ballpark has drawn mostly favorable reviews, and the roof helped avert rainouts Sunday and Monday. But because the weather has been unusually wet for April, the grass hasn’t gotten much sun.
During the Marlins’ trip, the grounds crew will try sun lamps to help the grass, team president David Samson said. He said the Marlins remain confident natural grass can be successful in the ballpark, even though the roof will be closed for most games.
