The Miami Marlins have a new injury to worry about as Jose Fernandez has headed back to Miami with right shoulder stiffness.
Fernandez has been enjoying a great year in his first action since undergoing Tommy John surgery. That procedure was to repair Fernandez's elbow, and it remains to be seen how serious this should injury is. The best case scenario for Miami would be if Fernandez is dealing with a "dead arm". Simply shutting down the young ace should suffice if that is the diagnosis.
In Friday's game, Fernandez was lifted after five innings despite a modest pitch count. The speculation at the time was that the decision was made due to Fernandez's efforts in his previous start. In that one, Fernandez threw a season-high 112 pitches and appeared exhausted at times.
The Marlins currently are tied for the worst record in baseball, and that could only get worse now if Fernandez misses significant time. Miami has struggled to compete in games where Fernandez has not appeared lately. In Miami's last ten games, it has won only one time and that was a Fernandez start.
Shoulder injuries for pitchers have a long and potentially devastating history. While many pitchers return fully functional following elbow injuries, the shoulder can be more tricky. The hope for Miami is that Fernandez will not require any type of surgery. More will be known once his arm is checked.
It is possible that the Marlins will shut Fernandez down for the season regardless of the diagnosis. The team is out of contention and will need its ace next season if it has hopes of competing for a title.
Miami will try and snap a five-game skid on Saturday evening in Atlanta.
