The Miami Marlins and Dan Straily are holding their breath to see if inflammation in the pitcher’s right forearm does not require a stint on the disabled list.
If Straily, the team’s No. 2 starter behind Jose Urena, does require time on the self, it would be his first time on the disabled list since breaking into the Big Leagues since 2012.
The 29-year-old Straily, who came over to the Miami Marlins in a trade last offseason with the Cincinnati Reds, is dealing with right forearm inflammation, and he will remain in no-throw status for five or six days. The Marlins made the announcement on Straily on Monday.
As Joe Frisaro of MLB.com wrote, “The Marlins are confident the injury is minor, and they are taking precautionary steps to make sure he misses as little time as possible.”
Straily is saying the same thing as he continues to get ready for the start of the major league season. Miami is set to host the Chicago Cubs on March 29 at Marlins Park. The Marlins host the Cubs for a four-game series.
“I could go out there and long-toss and play catch and do all that kind of stuff right now,” Straily said.
“Something got a little tight, and I said, ‘Hey, maybe this is not what we should be doing right now,'” Straily said. “Just trying to make sure we don’t mess it up.
The MRI take on Straily’s arm indicated mild inflammation. The injury was identified on Monday after Straily threw 60 pitches in a minor league game. He experienced what Frisaro described as “mild tightness” in his throwing arm.
“The Marlins initially had scheduled Straily to start the second game of the season, against the Cubs at Marlins Park. The setback will change those plans,” Frisaro wrote. “Still, he could avoid being on the disabled list and slide back to the fifth spot in the rotation, but only if he is cleared to throw by around Sunday and can get some mound sessions to get back on track.”
Straily posted a 10-9 record last season for the Miami Marlins, which was second on the team in wins to Urena’s 14 victories. The Marlins are counting on the veteran’s leadership on the mound and in the clubhouse with new young faces that will complete the team’s pitching staff.
“We haven’t put any timeline on it,” Straily said. “Right now, the only thing we’re doing is not touching a baseball.”