Marlins Injury Updates: Garrett Cooper taking BP; Riley Ferrell begins throwing progression

Throughout the 2019 season, Fish Stripes will pass along updates on injured Marlins players and top prospects as they attempt to get back on the field. Here is what we’ve learned in recent days...

MLB

• OF/1B Garrett Cooper (left calf strain) was placed on the 10-day injured list March 31. The team announced Friday that he will head to Jupiter on Sunday for the next step in his rehab. Cooper’s bat is sorely needed in what’s been MLB’s weakest lineup, but even once medically cleared, expect a handful of minor league games to get his timing back at the plate. With no setbacks, he figures to return in early May.
• RHP Riley Ferrell (right biceps tendinitis) went on the shelf shortly before Opening Day. The Marlins may be more deliberate with Ferrell than they are with Cooper. The right-hander struggled in 2018 during his first-ever Triple-A experience—6.75 ERA, 1.79 WHIP in 28.0 IP—and could use as many reps as possible against that level of competition. Being a Rule 5 Draft pick, Miami will need him on the active roster for at least 90 days this season, or else have to offer him back to the Astros organization.
• Also on the mend: RHP Julian Fernández (60-day IL, Tommy John surgery)

MiLB

• RHP Sixto Sánchez made his last official appearance in the Phillies organization on June 3 before an elbow scare. But he impressed in extended spring training on Thursday morning, throwing 26 pitches in a scrimmage and another 20 in the bullpen, reportedly topping out at 98 miles per hour. He’s slated to join Double-A Jacksonville on May 2.

• Should be brief absences for High-A Jupiter’s RHP Edward Cabrera (lower back discomfort) and SS José Devers (groin strain), who have been added to the 7-day injured list. The Marlins No. 8 prospect per MLB Pipeline, Cabrera last pitched on April 11 and owns a 3.48 ERA and 1.16 WHIP through 10.1 IP. Devers (No. 12) has been an everyday, top-of-the-order weapon for the Hammerheads, slashing .326/.356/.395 through 45 PA.
• It won’t be an 100% full season for RHP Josh Roberson. He’s on the 7-day IL retroactive to April 15 after two solid outings for Low-A Clinton (0.00 ERA, 1.31 WHIP in 10.2 IP)
• SS Osiris Johnson (right tibial stress fracture) is lost for the entire 2019 MiLB regular season, but three weeks removed from surgery, he’s now rehabbing at the team facilities.

• The Fish’s 16th-round pick in the 2018 MLB Draft, RHP Sam Bordner (Tommy John surgery) is expected to throw off a mound for the first time this Monday.