Marlins Lose Top Pitching Prospect Robby Snelling to UCL Injury

This is the last thing the Miami Marlins needed right now.

The Marlins are placing top pitching prospect Robby Snelling on the 15-day injured list with a sprained UCL in his left pitching elbow after just one major league start.

Miami did receive some positive news, though, as the team activated closer Pete Fairbanks in a corresponding move.

We've made the following roster moves: pic.twitter.com/g1x7D3gFZO

— Miami Marlins (@Marlins) May 13, 2026

Snelling's long-awaited debut with the Marlins did not go as hoped. The 22-year-old struggled with his command, walking four over five innings while allowing three runs against the Washington Nationals.

Still, seeing Snelling on the mound offered a glimpse into Miami's future and the young core the organization has built under Peter Bendix.

Before making his debut on May 8, Snelling dominated at Triple-A Jacksonville. Over six starts, the left-hander posted a 3-1 record with a 1.86 ERA across 29 innings while striking out 44 batters.

The Marlins acquired Snelling from the San Diego Padres in 2024 in exchange for relievers Tanner Scott and Bryan Hoeing.

Snelling looked more than ready for the major league level after spending over three seasons in the minors. He currently ranks as the No. 29 prospect in baseball according to MLB Pipeline.

However, after suffering a UCL injury, Snelling could miss an extended period of time. Any elbow injury for a young pitcher with this much potential is concerning for an organization. As of now, the Marlins have not revealed how much time Snelling is expected to miss.

What Robby Snelling's Injury Means for the Marlins

After news of Snelling's injury broke, the Marlins scratched starter Braxton Garrett from his scheduled start at Triple-A Jacksonville. Garrett has looked sharp across six minor league starts this season, posting a 2.30 ERA over 31.1 innings. He will likely take Snelling's spot tomorrow against the Minnesota Twins.

The Marlins can at least feel encouraged by the return of Fairbanks, whom they signed to a one-year, $13 million contract during the offseason to be their closer.

Fairbanks made 10 appearances before landing on the injured list with nerve irritation in his right pitching hand on April 28. In those outings, the former Tampa Bay Ray struggled to a 10.00 ERA across nine innings.

Miami now hopes the time on the injured list allowed Fairbanks to fully recover.

The Marlins will look to even the series against the Twins tonight at 7:40 p.m. EST with Max Meyer on the mound against Simeon Woods Richardson.

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This story was originally published May 13, 2026 at 6:00 PM.