The 24-year-old Anderson spent time in both Jacksonville and New Orleans last season in the Marlins’ farm system.

The Miami Marlins are planning to start the beginning of the baseball season without third baseman Martin Prado. Prado has been dealing with a knee injury since last season. The Marlins are set to start Brian Anderson in his place.

Anderson is the No. 9 prospect in the Marlins’ farm system. His brief stint with the team last season, coupled with his progress during Spring Training have been enough for manager Don Mattingly to sing Anderson’s praises.

"Having [Prado's] locker right next to mine is incredible," said Anderson, 24. "Last year I was really fortunate to have Ichiro next to me. You learn from guys like that, guys who have been around the league, guys who do it the right way. Guys who are true professionals."

Anderson now has an opportunity to come out of the shadows and make his own mark.

On Wednesday, the team announced Prado had suffered a setback in his recovery, opening the door for Anderson to get more playing time. The 24-year-old spent time in both Jacksonville and New Orleans last season in the Marlins’ farm system. At 6’3” and 185 pounds, the Marlins hope he has the range to become a long-time starter in the lineup.

"He's been kind of knocking on that door anyway," manager Don Mattingly said. "So, obviously, it puts more playing time on him. It's fair to say that it opens the door for him."

Anderson was a third-round draft pick of the Marlins in 2014 from Arkansas. He appeared in the Futures Game, then was promoted to Triple-A New Orleans before a September callup from the Marlins.

Anderson combined for 22 home runs and 81 RBIs in 120 Minor League games last year, and he appeared in 25 games for the Marlins with a slash line of .262/.337/.369.