Marlins injury updates: Lewis Brinson, Matt Joyce placed on IL

There’s definitely a sense of relief to be on the verge of Major League Baseball’s regular season return. But Marlins fans should brace themselves for a turbulent, often frustrating ride. By rushing through Summer Camp and moving forward with competition despite the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic affecting every corner of the United States, there will inevitably be players lost due to injury or illness. No amount of physical conditioning or cleanliness can ensure that an individual completes the 2020 season unscathed.

Each week, Fish Stripes will have articles like this dedicated specifically to the latest injury/illness updates.

• OF Lewis Brinson—On the heels of a productive spring training, Brinson was poised to receive another chance to stick on the Marlins active roster. Unfortunately, he hasn’t been cleared to join the club for any of the organized workouts since league activities resumed. Brinson was quietly placed on the 10-day injured list Wednesday night, ruling him out for Opening Day consideration. If the situation was COVID-19 related, the Marlins would be able to add another player to their 60-man pool in his place, but as of midday Thursday, there haven’t been any corresponding moves.
• OF Matt Joyce—Ditto for Joyce. No sight of him at Marlins Park during camp and no confirmation regarding his condition. On behalf of Fish Stripes, I wish both of them a full and speedy recovery.
• C Will Banfield (COVID-19)—The organization’s top catching prospect is sidelined in connection to the virus, whether it be his own positive test, confirmed exposure or exhibiting possible symptoms. Per the 2020 MLB Operations Manual, Banfield will be eligible to return after consecutive negative tests.
• RHP Ryne Stanek (lower back) and RHP Jeff Brigham (biceps)—I’m clumping these relievers together because their injury questions date all the way back to March. Both have participated in Summer Camp simulated games, a testament to the progress they’ve made in recovering. Earlier this week, manager Don Mattingly described Stanek as being “further along” than Brigham. With real games right around the corner, Fish Stripes currently has the latter projected for a season-opening IL stint.

• INF Eddy Álvarez (shoulder)—The South Florida native dinged his shoulder on Tuesday when diving back to first base, Mattingly says.
• SS Miguel Rojas (left pinkie/wrist)—In the same sim game, Rojas hit the ground awkwardly when attempting to make a diving play at shortstop. Fish Stripes will update their statuses after seeing whether they participate in Thursday’s game.