Marlins Make Roster Moves Amidst Growing Injury Concerns

In a series of roster moves, the Miami Marlins have made some significant changes to their pitching staff due to multiple injuries. The club announced today that left-hander Braxton Garrett has been placed on the 15-Day injured list with a left forearm flexor strain. Along with Garrett, right-hander Shaun Anderson has been optioned to Triple-A.

To fill the vacant spots on the active roster, the Marlins have selected the contracts of right-hander Kyle Tyler and left-hander Kent Emanuel. However, these moves come at the expense of left-hander Jesus Luzardo and right-hander Edward Cabrera, who have both been transferred to the 60-day injured list to accommodate Tyler and Emanuel on the 40-man roster.

Garrett's placement on the injured list doesn't come as a surprise, as he was scratched from today's start due to elbow soreness. The diagnosis of a forearm flexor strain, though concerning, does not reveal the exact timeline for his return. This injury may raise concerns for Marlins fans, as it echoes a similar diagnosis Sandy Alcantara received last year before ultimately needing Tommy John surgery.

However, not all forearm strains require such drastic treatment, as demonstrated by Nationals right-hander Josiah Gray, who suffered a similar strain without damage to the UCL earlier this year. Gray is currently on a rehab assignment and could return to the Nationals' pitching rotation before the All-Star break. A similar timeline could potentially see Cabrera's return in September, prior to the end of the 2024 season.

The Marlins now face a challenge in piecing together their starting rotation with seven starters currently on the injured list. They currently rely on lefty Trevor Rogers, righty Roddery Munoz, and righty Yonny Chirinos as their only established starting pitchers. The trio will now be joined by Tyler, who is set to start today's game against the Mariners. Although Tyler has primarily been used in relief appearances, he has shown promising performances with a 2.45 ERA and 4.36 FIP in limited innings.

As for Emanuel, the lefty has been shuttling between the 40-man roster and the minor leagues this season. In his appearances for the Marlins, he has struggled, posting a 7.56 ERA and an 8.19 FIP. Nonetheless, his presence in the bullpen could provide a much-needed multi-inning option and potentially complement Tyler if necessary.

The placement of Luzardo and Cabrera on the 60-day injured list comes as a mild surprise. Luzardo had been placed on the IL just yesterday with a lumbar stress reaction, and the Marlins now believe his recovery will extend beyond the typical 4-6 week timeline. He is expected to be eligible to return in late August. Cabrera's placement is also unexpected, considering he had already progressed to the 50-pitch range on his rehab assignment. This move may be a procedural one, as he would be eligible to return in just two weeks.

With their pitching staff facing mounting injuries, the Marlins will need to rely on their remaining healthy arms and the newly added Tyler and Emanuel to navigate through a challenging period. The club hopes to stabilize their rotation and overcome these obstacles as they continue their 2024 campaign.