Austin Brice lands on IL, Guerrero returns

One of the more under-the-radar stories of the Marlins 2019 season was the emergence of Austin Brice. The right-handed relief pitcher’s major league career had been defined by struggles until this season when he moved away from his sinker towards his breaking ball.

The decision paid off, he’s only allowed one earned run since the month of June began and it’s moved him up the ranks of a struggling Marlins bullpen.

Now carrying a 1.88 ERA for the season, the injury bug strikes. The Marlins announced Tuesday afternoon that Austin Brice was going to the 10-day IL with a right forearm flexor strain, retroactive to July 14. Brice said to media the he had been managing the injury lately, but that it was starting to bother him in-game. Despite that, it is reported that his MRI gave good results and he does not expect to miss much time.

Fortunately, Tayron Guerrero (right middle finger blister) was already on the cusp of returning and he was reinstated from the 10-day IL. In three rehab appearances with the Jupiter Hammerheads, the flame-throwing righty allowed only one batter to reach base and it was on a walk.

Guerrero started off the season very well, but began to struggle with his command. Now recovered from his blister, the Marlins hope to get back the Guerrero we saw in April that had a minuscule 1.50 ERA.

Charlie Ortega Guifarro/Miami Herald/TNS via Getty Images

More Injury Updates

RHP Drew Steckenrider, who is currently on the 60-day IL with a right flexor strain, threw a 15-pitch bullpen on Tuesday. SP Pablo López (right shoulder strain) threw a 20-pitch bullpen as well, he has been on the 10-day IL with a right shoulder strain. Additionally, SP José Ureña has begun a throwing program.

Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images

The Marlins pitching has fared well this season, even in the absence of the aforementioned players. Their returns, however, would still represent an improvement to the current roster. It will be an interesting situation to monitor when they come back since young starters Jordan Yamamoto and Zac Gallen have both impressed at the major league level in their place. Do the Marlins deploy Ureña from the bullpen? Or will they remove Gallen and Yamamoto from the rotation in favor of the more experienced arms? It’s not an ideal situation, but it’s better than not having any choices. Regardless, there’s still plenty of time remaining for the team to evaluate its options.

On a frustrating note, C Chad Wallach has had another setback on his road to recover from a concussion. On the IL since mid-May, Wallach was recalled from his rehab assignment on Tuesday due to eye fatigue.

Thank you for reading, until next time!