The Miami Marlins will be without outfielder Dane Myers for approximately 6-8 weeks due to a fractured left ankle. Myers was ejected from Saturday’s game for arguing a strike call, then suffered the injury by kicking a clubhouse door out of frustration. He will visit a foot specialist in the coming days to determine the severity. Fortunately for Myers and the Marlins, the injury is not expected to need surgery.
Unconventional injuries happen often in sports. However, that doesn’t make them any less frustrating to everyone involved. But to his credit, Myers took accountability for his actions when speaking to the media on Sunday.
“I took a swipe at the door with my foot, and I didn’t think I kicked it that hard, but I fractured my foot,” Myers said. “That’s something you have to do as a pro. It’s the last missing piece in my game: staying level-headed and not letting the emotions take over.”
Dane Myers revealed his fractured left ankle was a result of kicking the clubhouse door in frustration after his ejection yesterday. https://t.co/9Yftxix6eM pic.twitter.com/ZvFXyytLOS
— Bally Sports Florida: Marlins (@BallyMarlins) July 14, 2024
Marlins Lose Dane Myers For 6-8 Weeks With Ankle Injury
Myers, 28, has provided solid offense in a small sample size for the Marlins this year. In 95 plate appearances, the outfielder has hit .265/.337/.442 (113 wRC+) with two homers and five doubles. Though his quality of at-bats and process at the plate can improve, Myers has made hard contact throughout his career in the bigs.
He pairs hard contact with a great outfield arm and solid defense. Myers ranks in the 86th percentile by averaging 90.6 mph on his throws. While he’s seen time at all three outfield spots, defensive metrics view him most favorably in right. He’s already recorded four assists in 145 innings in right field this year.
Ignoring the fact that a run scored ahead of this throw, Dane Myers just recorded another outfield assist with this DART from right field.
94.0 MPH on the throw which is in the 99th percentile, considered elite. @ElExtrabase | #MarlinsBeisbol | pic.twitter.com/alHGKFWYft
— Noah Berger Media (@NoahBergerMedia) July 11, 2024
The Marlins acquired Myers via waivers in December 2022. A former sixth-round pick of the Detroit Tigers, the Texas native lacks a big prospect pedigree. However, he possesses enough tools and intrigue that Miami would have given him solid playing time in the second half of the season. Unfortunately, the injury will prevent Myers from establishing himself in the majors for a post-deadline Marlins squad.
Though it’s unlikely that Myers will ever become a star, he’s a player who the new Marlins regime wants to develop. He is making close to the league minimum and has several years of team control left. Even if he develops into just a part-time player, that could provide solid value to what Miami is trying to build.
Photo Credit: © Sam Greene/The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK
