Another year, and another trip to the disabled list for Miami Marlins prospect Tyler Kolek.
As the Miami Marlins seek to get back to contention, finding potential top of the rotation arms will be a key part of their success. However, even though the Marlins traded off their entire All Star outfield, and leadoff man Dee Gordon, those top of the rotation arms were not forthcoming. Some interesting players came back, but none that would seemingly be an impact arm.
That search for a potential top of the rotation arm makes Tyler Kolek an important part of the potential rebuild. A former top prospect, Kolek underwent Tommy John surgery, costing him the entire 2016 campaign, and most of 2017. The injury bug has struck Kolek again, as he has been placed on the disabled list prior to his Opening Day start for the Greensboro Grasshoppers.
#Marlins No. 28 prospect Tyler Kolek, who missed much of 2016 and 2017 due to Tommy John surgery, was scheduled to be @GSOHoppers starter tomorrow night. Instead, he's just been placed on the seven-day disabled list. https://t.co/F1nJ6ObVMQ
— Sam Dykstra (@SamDykstraMiLB) April 5, 2018
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Kolek did appear in five games last season, pitching for the Marlins Gulf Coast League team. However, his performance in those outings was disastrous. In those five games, including four starts, he threw only 3.2 innings. In that time, Kolek allowed 13 runs, 12 earned, on four hits and an astonishing 14 walks. He also hit three batters and threw nine wild pitches for good measure. With his one strikeout, Kolek posted an impressive 0.07 K/BB rate.
Yes, the recovery from Tommy John surgery takes time. And rediscovering command is the last step in that return as pitchers attempt their comeback. However, there is a difference in rediscovering command and not knowing which zip code the ball is heading to. That performance made even the likes of Steve Blass, Daniel Bard, and Rick Ankiel look like control artists.
At just 22 years old, there is still plenty of time for Kolek to rediscover his form. It is possible that, once he overcomes his latest injury, he can get back on track towards becoming the top of the rotation starter he was envisioned to be. However, that injury history, and his disastrous performance last year are enough to make one wonder if he can ever become that player the Marlins need him to be.
Next: Are the Marlins as bad as we thought?
Tyler Kolek was supposed to be the next Miami Marlins ace. Instead, one has to wonder if he will even be healthy enough to last a full season again.