Marlins ace Jose Fernandez likely returning to DL with bicep strain
By JOHN DORN
The Miami Marlins waited 13 months for Jose Fernandez's return to the staff following Tommy John surgery, and after seven starts, it looks like the ace is heading back to the disabled list.
After experiencing shoulder stiffness after his Aug. 7 start, Fernandez was examined by doctors in Miami. The initial diagnosis is far from ideal. According to Clark Spencer of the Miami Herald, the pitcher is going back to the DL with no timetable for a return.
Jose Fernandez has a right bicep strain, almost certain DL, no timetable on return. #marlins
— clarkspencer (@clarkspencer) August 9, 2015
Fernandez had pitched to a 2.30 ERA this season, and just 1.95 excluding his season debut on July 2. The Marlins -- last place in the NL East at 43-68 -- have won five of his seven games.
Fernandez had been regaining momentum after missing most of last year and the first three months of 2015 with Tommy John. His reps this summer have been important, but in a lost season for Miami, the team would be wise to play it conservative with their 23-year-old star's recovery.
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