Marlins notes: Martin Prado nearing return, pitchers dealing with ailments
MIAMI -- Miami Marlins right-hander Henderson Alvarez will make a rehab start within the next two days for Single-A Jupiter.
Alvarez, a 2014 All-Star, has been on the disabled list since May 23 with right shoulder inflammation. It is the third time in his career -- second this season -- he has dealt with this injury. In four starts, Alvarez was 0-4 with a 6.45 ERA.
According to manager Dan Jennings, Alvarez will throw 45 pitches in the outing. He has been tossing bullpen sessions, most recently Friday afternoon.
"Everything's positive, trending in the right way," Jennings said. "I think we're moving in a big hurry towards him beginning his rehab. There's been some talk about tomorrow, Sunday, or Monday."
HOLDING OFF ON PRADO
While the Marlins initially considered reinstating third baseman Martin Prado from the disabled list for Sunday's finale, they have elected to give him the four extra days of rest.
Prado, on the DL retroactive to June 15 with a right shoulder sprain, originally anticipated coming back next weekend following the All-Star break. He has been continuing to test his arm throwing across the diamond. In two rehab starts with the Hammerheads earlier in the week, Prado went 3 for 8.
"I think right now it's best not to try and push him at this point and give him the time over the break," Jennings said. "He wants to be in there. No doubt about that. He wanted to play two weeks ago but let it run this course."
LATOS UPDATE
Right-hander Mat Latos, scratched from Saturday's start with a right foot contusion, continues to be snakebitten by injuries. The most recent one has an interesting story.
Christian Yelich's foul ball Thursday night hit Latos' foot perched up on the concrete part of the field level. The dugout railing's netting didn't protect him from the impact.
"It's actually kind of comical when you look at it," Latos said. "I'm in the dugout watching a ballgame, and I get hit with a line drive on my toes. What else can I do other than stay in (the clubhouse) or wrap myself in bubble wrap and sit in the dugout?"
Latos missed three weeks with left knee inflammation earlier this season. Last year, knee surgery and elbow issues limited him to 16 starts. X-rays came back negative, but Latos couldn't put pressure on his swollen and bruised two toes.
The 27-year-old said he has iced "at least 30 times since yesterday." It marked the first time he has gotten hit sitting in the dugout in his career. Both Latos and Jennings expect him back for the first series after the break.
"He should be," Jennings said. "I think he's just tender. Yeli hit the ball pretty well. Got him right off the foot. Why take a risk of a guy hurting his arm? If he's got a bad foot he alters his delivery and potentially hurts himself."
WHO'S STARTING?
Jose Fernandez will start Friday's game against the Philadelphia Phillies to open the second half of the season. Who follows remains up for discussion.
"(Pitching coach) Chuck Hernandez and I have about three lined up," Jennings said. "The Latos scenario obviously changed it a little now. It's about where we slot him. It looks like coming out of the break for sure it'll be Jose and then we'll go from there."
KELLY DEALING WITH ELBOW TEAR
According to the Miami Herald, utility player Don Kelly has a "significant tear" in his right elbow and will meet with Dr. James Andrews on Monday.
Kelly, who originally went on the disabled list on April 13 with a right fourth finger fracture, had been playing with the elbow discomfort before the ground ball broke his finger. An MRI confirmed the elbow injury.
You can follow Christina De Nicola on Twitter @CDeNicola13 or email her at cdenicola13@gmail.com.
