The Miami Marlins will likely be without Jose Fernandez for at least half of 2015 but the ace could begin a throwing program soon.

Fernandez met with Dr. Neal ElAttrache in Los Angeles on Thursday for a checkup on his surgically repaired right elbow. Dr. ElAttrache performed Tommy John Surgery on Fernandez back in May. The full recovery for Fernandez is expected to be around 14 months which would have him back on the mound at Marlins Park around the All-Star Game.

The first major step in returning is beginning a throwing program. Fernandez has not thrown a ball since May 9th when he exited a rough start in San Diego. Velocity was down for Fernandez in the start and he was quickly sent for tests which confirmed a torn ulnar collateral ligament. At that point, Miami knew it had lost its biggest arm for not just the remainder of 2014 but also some of the following year.

At only 22-years old, Fernandez has age on his side and he also is in exceptional shape. While rehab for this injury can be grueling, Fernandez is a prime candidate to bounce back and return to the form that made him the 2013 National League Rookie of the Year. The right-hander was considered a Cy Young contended this season as well before the injury.

Fernandez ended his season with a 4-2 record and a 2.44 E.R.A but that number was inflated by his final start. The ace only had a 1.74 E.R.A going into the game against San Diego and also ended up striking out 70 in 51.2 innings.

Another young star recently returned to the mound for the first time albeit against a simulated batter. Matt Harvey of the New York Mets took the mound and threw before the game on Monday while the Marlins were in town. Harvey had his Tommy John Surgery performed on October 22nd, 2013. 

Fernandez could be a big boost to the starting rotation when he returns but setbacks are always possible and the time-line is ever-changing.