Miami Marlins skipping Jose Fernandez’s next start

Jose Fernandez will skip his next start as part of a precautionary program the Marlins created during spring training, according to Clark Spencer of The Miami Herald.

Miami is hoping to keep Fernandez on pace to throw 180 innings this season after he underwent Tommy John surgery in May 2014. The Marlins are hoping to prevent further injury while preserving Fernandez’s arm.

Fernandez will skip another start later this season, according to Spencer.

Fernandez, 23, has been dominant over the first two and a half months of the season. Over 80.2 innings, Fernandez has pitched to a 2.57 ERA and 2.02 FIP while averaging 13.17 strikeouts per nine innings.

The Marlins’ ace tossed only 64.2 innings last season, and if the team remains competitive, Fernandez might exceed the 180 innings limit. However, it seems the club is carefully monitoring Fernandez’s throwing program.

Fernandez’s next start will be next Tuesday against the Braves at Marlins Park, Spencer notes.