Marlins’ rotation takes yet another hit as Ryan Weathers will start season on injured list
The Miami Marlins have suffered another blow to their starting rotation.
Left-handed pitcher Ryan Weathers, projected to be the team’s No. 2 starter behind returning ace Sandy Alcantara, sustained a left forearm strain and will begin the season on the injured list.
Weathers reported discomfort on Tuesday and will not throw for about two weeks. The timeline for Weathers to return to play is four to six weeks.
The 25-year-old pitched to a 3.63 ERA over 86 2/3 innings spanning 16 starts last season. He was solid through his first 13 starts to begin the season before a fluky left index finger injury in June sidelined him until mid-September.
Weathers is the second starting pitcher — and third key contributor overall — to be sidelined over the past week. He will join right-handed pitcher Edward Cabrera on the injured list, with Cabrera sidelined for at least the first two turns through the rotation due to a blister on his right middle finger. Left-handed pitcher Braxton Garrett is already out for the season after undergoing left elbow UCL revision surgery with an internal brace in December
Outfielder Jesus Sanchez will also begin the season on the injured list with a left oblique strain.
As for the Marlins’ rotation, the team is down to three established starters in Alcantara, Max Meyer and Cal Quantrill. As for the final two spots, swingman Connor Gillispie looks poised to take one spot. Either Valente Bellozo or Adam Mazur, both of whom were already optioned to Triple A Jacksonville, would be the most likely internal options to round out the rotation.
Eury Perez is expected to be cleared to play around the All-Star Break.
.JPG)