Time to kick it into gear

JUPITER, Fla. — Jeffrey Loria on Wednesday sat through the Marlins’ ninth-straight loss, and the team owner isn’t happy.

With the season set to open in 2 1/2 weeks, Loria says it is time for the team to play with more urgency.

“It’s time to kick it into gear, because the switch doesn’t turn on the first day of the season,” Loria told MLB.com after Florida lost 6-3 to the Rays at Roger Dean Stadium. “I’m here 10 days and I haven’t seen us win one game.”

The Marlins made 11 roster moves prior to Wednesday’s game, getting the number down to 41 in camp. The plan is for the regulars to see more playing time in the two-plus weeks before the opener.

“I see a lack of energy at the moment, and it doesn’t make me happy,” Loria said. “We have some extremely skilled athletes here, and hopefully they’ll come out of it when the season starts. … Our players are not ready to play yet.”

– Joe Frisaro