MLB debut will be a ‘dream come true’ for Marlins’ Max Meyer. Plus injury updates

Max Meyer wasn’t trying to think about the emotions and excitement that were going to envelop him on Saturday just yet.

But when that moment comes, when Meyer steps on the mound at loanDepot park and makes his MLB debut for the Miami Marlins against the Philadelphia Phillies, he knows he won’t forget it.

“It’s a dream come true,” Meyer said.

But for now, Meyer is trying to remain stoic, calm, relaxed.

The right-handed pitcher and No. 21 overall prospect in baseball according to MLB Pipeline knows this is a big moment — one he has thought could be a reality since his junior year at the University of Minnesota, a breakout season that had the Marlins select him No. 3 overall in the 2020 MLB Draft — but he also hopes it’s just the first moment in a long line of them in his career.

“I’ve been talking to the guys and they’re kind of just telling me it’s just another game on a bigger stage,” Meyer said. “Just go and compete and do what you’ve always done throughout your career.”

And what Meyer has done so far in his career, in simplest terms, is dominate in the minor leagues.

The 23-year-old has a career 2.77 ERA in 35 starts in the minor leagues over the past two seasons with 199 strikeouts over 172 innings. He was sidelined for about a month this season while dealing with right ulnar nerve irritation, but has posted a 1.96 ERA (four earned runs allowed in 18 1/3 innings) with 21 strikeouts against five walks in his four starts since returned to Jacksonville following the injury.

His fastball sit between 92 and 95 mph and his slider was arguably the single-best pitch out of all pitchers in the 2020 draft. He has been developing his changeup to give him a third pitch, which is needed to be a starter at the MLB level.

Meyer has routinely said he felt he has been big-league ready for some time now, but undergoing the rehab process with the arm injury has taught him patience and the need to wait for the moment.

“I feel like maybe early on I was ready to get up after I started the year off hot,” Meyer said, “and then the injury happened and that kind of changed my whole perspective to whatever happens happens. I’ve just got to stay where my feet are. I believe I’m mentally the strongest I’ve ever been right now.”

How an ‘electric’ outing and a challenge to scouts led the Miami Marlins to Max Meyer

Trevor Rogers start pushed back

With Meyer pitching on Saturday, left-handed pitcher Trevor Rogers will be on the mound Sunday for the Marlins’ final game before the All-Star Break.

“We felt like that worked the best with the timing of Max coming in,” Marlins manager Don Mattingly said. “Gives Trevor the extra day. If we went [Sunday] with Max, it was going to be seven days [between starts for Meyer] and that seemed like too long. The timing kind of works. We feel like it’s beneficial for both guys.”

Soler, Poteet return; Berti to IL

The Marlins on Friday activated outfielder Jorge Soler and right-handed pitcher Cody Poteet from the injured list. Soler had been sidelined with bilateral pelvis inflammation, while Poteet had dealt with a right elbow injury.

To make room for both players, utility infielder Jon Berti was placed on the 10-day injured list with a left groin strain and left-handed pitcher Daniel Castano was optioned to Triple A Jacksonville.

Rojas, Hamilton OK

Both shortstop Miguel Rojas and outfielder Billy Hamilton are doing fine after leaving Thursday’s extra-inning win over the Pittsburgh Pirates following separate collisions.

Hamilton’s injury occurred in the fifth inning when he collided with Pirates catcher Jason Delay scoring from first base on a Joey Wendle double, with Hamilton’s shoulder getting caught between Delay’s legs.

Rojas left in the ninth inning when Oneil Cruz popped him in the mouth on a stolen base attempt that resulted in Rojas chipping a tooth. Rojas went to a dentist Thursday night to get the nerve removed from his tooth and a couple stitches on his lip.

“I got lucky that it wasn’t more than just losing part of my tooth,” Rojas said. “It concerned me [in the moment] because I had the sensation in my mouth that something was wrong and I felt like I got hit pretty good. Now, I feel like I can manage the discomfort.”

More injury updates

▪ Right-handed pitcher Edward Cabrera is scheduled to begin a rehab assignment on Saturday with the Double A Pensacola Blue Wahoos.

▪ Left-handed pitcher Jesus Luzardo is scheduled to start a rehab assignment Saturday with Single A Jupiter.

▪ Right-handed pitcher Anthony Bender’s second rehab assignment game is scheduled for Sunday with Jupiter.

▪ Right-handed pitcher Sixto Sanchez threw a bullpen session Wednesday and is scheduled to throw another one on Saturday.

▪ Second baseman Jazz Chisholm Jr. is completing his hitting progression and wen through defense and running drills on Friday.