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Able Arms Should Reinforce the Miami Marlins in 2027
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- Able Arms Should Reinforce the Miami Marlins in 2027
(Credit: Jeff Hanisch | Imagn Images)
The Miami Marlins ' pitching staff was definitely decimated by injuries last season, but there are plenty of healthy and talented arms gearing up to get back on the mound in the 305.
From starters to the bullpen, the breakdown of the staff was a big part of why the team faded down the stretch and, ultimately, missed the postseason. By year's end, the roster of hurlers looked like a hospital index. But now? The
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Max Meyer is moving past a neck strain and aiming to lock down a spot in the rotation this spring. Meanwhile, top prospect lefties Thomas White (shoulder) and Robby Snelling (Tommy John) are working their way back to anchor the rotation long-term, with the youngster working toward his comeback around mid-2027.
"We are in uncharted territory with this, but also, we don't have any concern as much as, we do the responsible thing is to be aware and cognizant that we do have a young athlete that is and already has surpassed a number of career highs," Miami manager Clayton McCullough said during the season regarding how the team would handle Meyer, the Marlins' emerging starter.
Meyer went 9-1 in the first half, but only made two appearances with no decisions following the All-Star Game.
White, the team's prized lefty prospect, hit a bump in the road in May when a shoulder capsular sprain paused his quick rise through the system. Given his big-time potential as a frontline starter, the Marlins are taking things slow to make sure his arm is 100% healthy for the long haul.
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Snelling, another high-upside lefty, had Tommy John surgery with an internal brace in May. He started playing catch again in September, but won't be back in real game action until May or June 2027. It's a long recovery process, but seeing him make steady progress in his throwing program is definitely a good sign.
Ronny Henriquez is also working through elbow rehab after getting his UCL repaired in December 2025. He got back to throwing in September, so spring training is next as he works toward a potential challenge for the closer's role.
Mazur had his elbow taken care of in March and kicked off his throwing program alongside Henriquez in September. He's aiming to return around April or May, which should give Miami some solid depth early in the season.
Out in the bullpen, reliever Anthony Bender is working back from shin surgery in Jupiter to be ready for spring, while Tyler Zuber is targeting a late-2027 return after UCL repair.
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Even with all those arm ailments, the club is holding steady in its belief that it is prepared to welcome back some potential pitching heroes. President of baseball operations Peter Bendix said that, despite what occurred during the Fish's latest campaign, the team is ready to face the challenge of protecting its hurlers.
"We know that, especially with pitchers, things can change. Guys get hurt. There's opportunities," Bendix said . "You want to be prepared for anything that might happen, and know what's option A, what's option B, what's option C."
Rehab takes time, but getting these pitchers back healthy will give the Marlins plenty of depth and talent across the rotation and bullpen for the long season ahead.
