MIAMI — Starting pitcher Elieser Hernandez was removed from the Miami Marlins’ 12-7 win over the Tampa Bay Rays in the third inning Saturday with right biceps tendon inflammation.
Manager Don Mattingly, pitching coach Mel Stottlemyre Jr. and head trainer Gene Basham went to the mound to check on Hernandez after he struck out Rays pitcher Rich Hill. Hernandez’s fastball velocity was noticeably down, with the six four-seam fastballs he threw to Hill ranging from 85.3 mph and 87 mph. He averaged 91.3 mph with the pitch last season and 90.6 mph in 2019.
Paul Campbell, a relief pitcher who the Marlins selected in the Rule 5 Draft in December from the Rays, relieved Hernandez and made his MLB debut against his former team. He threw two innings, allowing four hits and three earned runs (two of which scored after he left the mound) while striking out one and walking one.
Adam Cimber (2/3 of an inning), Zach Pop (one inning), Richard Bleier (one inning), Dylan Floro (one inning) and Anthony Bass followed Campbell. Pop, like Campbell, made his MLB debut.
The Marlins (1-2) had contributions up and down the lineup to avoid the series sweep. Garrett Cooper and Adam Duvall hit home runs. Starling Marte had four hits and scored three times. Cooper had three RBIs and three hits. Jesus Aguilar, Jon Berti and Chad Wallach each drove in two runs. Miguel Rojas drew three walks and scored three times.
But the severity of Hernandez’s injury could impact the Marlins both in the short- and long-term.
Hernandez, 25, showed signs of a breakout 2020 season before suffering a season-ending lat injury. In 25 1/3 innings over six starts, Hernandez had a 3.16 ERA with 34 strikeouts against five walks.
Should Hernandez miss playing time, it will put a test on Miami’s starting pitching depth. The team is already without Sixto Sanchez, who is dealing with mild inflammation in his throwing shoulder, and began the season with a four-man rotation of Sandy Alcantara, Pablo Lopez, Hernandez and Trevor Rogers.
Prospects Nick Neidert, Daniel Castano and Braxton Garrett are the Marlins’ top internal candidates to join the rotation.
