Marlins Send Braxton Garrett to Triple-A Amid Injury Woes

The Miami Marlins have optioned left-hander Braxton Garrett back to Triple-A Jacksonville, per reports from MLB.com. The move comes after two ineffective starts in the majors and is part of a growing issue with injuries in the Marlins' starting rotation.

Garrett, who was recalled to replace injured rookie Robby Snelling, struggled in his first two appearances with the Marlins. In his debut on May 10, he gave up five runs in just four innings against the Twins. On Thursday against the Braves, he allowed two runs in three innings, walking three and striking out two while using 65 pitches.

Garrett, 28, was a mid-rotation starter in 2022 and 2023 but missed the 2024 season after a flexor strain led to UCL surgery in January . He returned to action in spring training but was sent to Jacksonville to build up his workload. Despite posting a 2.30 ERA and 26% strikeout rate in six starts with the Jumbo Shrimp, his walk rate remains high at 12.3%.

Snelling, 22, was diagnosed with a UCL sprain after experiencing elbow discomfort during a throwing session. The Marlins announced Thursday that he will see Dr. Keith Meister for further evaluation. A decision on whether surgery is needed is expected by the weekend.

With Snelling sidelined, the Marlins must navigate their rotation for the upcoming series against the Mets. Right-hander Janson Junk and Sandy Alcantara will start the final two games of the series against the Braves, but the team has not announced plans for the weekend games. Eury Pérez and Max Meyer, both on regular rest, are potential options.

Meanwhile, the Marlins’ minor league pitching depth is being tested. Ryan Gusto, who leads the Jacksonville rotation with a strong stretch of outings, has struck out 10 in seven innings over the weekend. Bradley Blalock and Dax Fulton have also been in the mix, though Blalock has struggled in his last two starts.

Top prospect Thomas White, ranked fourth in baseball by Baseball America, has been limited by inconsistency since returning from an oblique injury. The 6’5” lefty has surrendered eight runs in his past two outings and is scheduled to start for Jacksonville, though the decision to promote him remains unclear.

Infield prospect Kemp Alderman is also sidelined after being placed on the minor league injured list following a collision at first base. The slugger, who has a .303/.376/.526 line with nine homers in 40 games, missed time with oblique issues earlier in the season.

The Marlins are now in a race to stabilize their rotation and find consistent production at the plate. With the weekend series looming against the Mets, the team will need clarity on Snelling’s status and decisions on who will fill the fifth rotation spot. A decision on Snelling’s medical status is expected by Saturday.