Call to the pen
Fansided

Can Jose Fernandez Single-Handedly Turn the Miami Marlins’ Season Around?

By Josh Sippie

facebooktwitterreddit

Jose Fernandez is in the midst of his rehab starts in the Miami Marlins system and while he struggled in his first start, at least on the surface, the fact that his fastball is topping out at 99 miles per hour should be the only welcome sign that you need to be excited for his return.

More from Call to the Pen

Fernandez had this to say about his start: “I honestly think that gun was a little juiced just to make me happy. But I was feeling great. The ball was coming out really smooth and the location was good, so I’m happy where I am right now,” (via the Sun Sentinel).

The Marlins are giving Jose Fernandez five rehab starts before calling him back up to his rightful place as the ace of the staff. Fernandez can be an absolute season-changer. At 22 years of age he is quickly becoming one of the best pitchers in the league. Not only that, but his energy is infectious and can rejuvenate a team that is understandably down in the dumps a bit.

This was a season that the Miami Marlins came into with extreme promise but despite all the hardships and managerial musical chairs, They only sit 7 games behind the division leading New York Mets in a division that could still be well within their grasp.

The Miami Marlins currently sit 23rd in team starting pitching ERA (4.35). They sit 25th in starting pitching Innings Pitched at 341.2 and they’re 27th in wins from starting pitchers. That’s pretty bad. Not only that, but Marlins starting pitchers are averaging just over 5.0 innings pitched per start. Have I mentioned that that is pretty bad?

Enter Jose Fernandez.

In his career, Jose Fernandez is 16-8 with a 2.25 ERA. His average start is better than a quality start – 7.0 innings and 1.5 runs surrendered.

Needless to say, Jose Fernandez has everything that the Miami Marlins need to kick themselves into gear. Dan Haren has been consistent for the Marlins starting rotation, but that is as far as the consistency goes. Jarred Cosart and Mat Latos are currently residing on the disabled list as well, so that does not exactly help things.

The offense of the Marlins is lead by a strangely elite Dee Gordon and arguably the most feared hitter in the league, Giancarlo Stanton. Adeiny Hechavarria and Marcell Ozuna are continuing right where they left off last year as well. The Marlins sit fifth in the league in batting average and all things considered, they have an adequate offense to push forward in the division.

The main thing they need is an infusion of energy and an ace to pair with Dan Harren. Jose Fernandez provides both of those things.

Next: Pudge would have been Perfect Manager for Marlins

More from Call to the Pen

Home/Miami Marlins