Jose Fernandez injury opens door for Marlins to audition two rookies
With ace Jose Fernandez ticketed for the 15-day disabled list, the Miami Marlins will take a look at some of their other young arms to fill out an already-strapped rotation.
Rookie left-hander Justin Nicolino will be promoted from Triple-A New Orleans to start Tuesday's opener of a three-game series at the Boston Red Sox. Another rookie southpaw, Adam Conley, is expected to get the nod in Wednesday's game.
"I'd like to see him pitch. I think he wants to pitch." #Marlins mgr. Dan Jennings on likelihood of Fernandez pitching again this season.
— clarkspencer (@clarkspencer) August 9, 2015
Nicolino and Conley have made a combined three career starts between them, but the Marlins have few options following the injury to Fernandez and the trade deadline deals that sent right-handers Mat Latos and Dan Haren packing.
The Marlins were relieved when an MRI exam on Saturday revealed a biceps strain for Fernandez (4-0, 2.30 ERA), who was coming off his seventh start since returning from Tommy John surgery.
There is no timetable for Fernandez's return and manager Dan Jennings admitted "there’s no need to push it" given the team's place in the standings.
(h/t Miami Herald)
