The Marlins are in Los Angeles to start a weekday series against the Dodgers, only to gain a major loss before any game has been played. The Marlins will be placing young ace Jose Fernandez on the Disabled List.
News broke Monday Evening that Jose Fernandez would be placed on the 15 day DL; sources told MLB on Fox Reporter Ken Rosenthal. Fernandez has suffered an elbow injury. Mike Redmond stated in his news conference this evening that Fernandez complained of elbow discomfort after his start against the San Diego Padres last Friday night.
Fernandez took a MRI in Los Angeles, and those results won’t be available for a few days. Fernandez flew back to Miami Monday Evening to get a second MRI and to be looked at by Marlins Doctors.
The news of Fernandez injury worsened after initial reports of a generalized elbow injury. Ken Rosenthal stated “The expectation is that, yes, he will need Tommy John”. The final prognosis won’t be determined for Fernandez until the results from the MRI’s are established. Fernandez would be joining a growing list of baseball players needing Tommy John Surgery this season.
What’s next for Miami?
The Marlins were a team reeling before the Fernandez injury. The Marlins are on a three-game losing streak after reclaiming first place with a successful home stand. One of the losses during the current slide was Friday night when Fernandez gave up an uncharacteristically high five runs in his losing effort.
The Marlins need to decide quickly on how to move forward after Fernandez grim prognosis. Fernandez was up to start on Wednesday against the Dodgers. At the moment, the Marlins have not officially announced on their website who will be starting for Fernandez.
The Marlins have several ways to fill the void of Fernandez. The Marlins could use long reliever Kevin Slowey to fill the vacant spot in the rotation. Slowey was a starter for the Marlins during the 2013 season. The Marlins could also look to the farm system for starter help. Prized prospect Andrew Heaney has been doing well for minor league affiliate Jacksonville Suns. The final option may be to shorten the rotation to four pitchers. The fear here is that the increased workload may exhaust the young arms in the rotation.
The Marlins will have to do their due diligence in order to replace their face of the franchise, at least on the pitching side.
For the latest sports injury news, check out our friends at sports injury alert.
Thank you for reading. Support LWOS by following us on Twitter – @LastWordOnSport – and “liking” our Facebook page.
“You like baseball? Get involved! Check out LWOS Partners Bases Loaded EU for fantastic podcasts, news and a growing message board community of baseball fans like you!”
Main Photo:
