Cabrera struggles in his second start as Diamondbacks complete sweep of Marlins

Frustration continues to mount surrounding Marlins starter Edward Cabrera. After a promising season debut last Friday against the Nationals — where he was one out shy of a quality start— Cabrera struggled in Thursday’s series-ending loss to the Arizona Diamondbacks at loanDepot park, failing to make it through five innings in a 6-4 loss to Arizona.

The Marlins have lost three consecutive games for the first time this season and fall to 8–10.

Edward Cabrera, the Marlins’ second-longest-tenured pitcher, was slated to open the season as the club’s No. 3 starter. However, a blister on his right middle finger sidelined him — a familiar setback for Marlins fans when it comes to the right-hander.

Cabrera has faced health-related interruptions at the start of four of the past five seasons. In 2021, he dealt with an inflamed nerve in his right biceps, followed by fatigue in the same area in 2022. After a healthy spring in 2023, he missed time in 2024 due to a right shoulder impingement. This season, it was the blister that once again delayed his return to the mound.

When healthy, Cabrera possesses some of the most electric stuff in the game. On Thursday, command and efficiency against quality opponents — particularly finishing off hitters and controlling the running game — continue to be areas of concern.

“The pitch count definitely got to him there in his second start back,” manager Clayton McCullough said postgame. “They worked some deep counts, and even when he got ahead and had leverage, they battled–fouling off a lot of pitches and driving up the count.”

Cabrera allowed two runs in the first inning, one in the third, and two more in the fourth. His final line: four innings pitched, four hits, five earned runs, three walks, six strikeouts and one home run allowed. He threw 88 pitches, 56 of them for strikes.

While Cabrera showed flashes of dominance — striking out six and featuring a sharp curveball — he struggled to control the running game. The Diamondbacks stole five bases in four innings, exploiting Cabrera’s deliberate delivery to the plate.

“We need to focus on varying our timing, holding the ball — things like that,” McCullough said when asked how the team can improve against aggressive baserunners. “Some of the guys getting on base have that ability, and days like this will happen. Need to do our best to disrupt their timing and hold them for as many pitches as possible.”

Offensively, while Miami scored four runs, the team missed numerous opportunities to capitalize. The Marlins reached base in every inning but ultimately stranded too many runners, hampered by a season-high 15 strikeouts.

“Today, we probably helped out a little bit with some chase,” added the first-year manager. “Just have to buckle black down and get back to our plan and approach which we feel is on par and what we will need to do tomorrow to beat Zack Wheeler.”

Following the loss, Miami is now a season-high two games under .500 before they fly to Philadlpehia to begin a three-game set with the Phillies. Ace Sandy Alcantara is expected to start against the All-Star Wheeler.

This story was originally published April 17, 2025 at 5:19 PM.