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Jacob Lombard Shows Upside Potential, Downside Risk in First Season
Miami Marlins infield prospect Jacob Lombard's first taste of professional baseball was a mixed bag while playing for Single-A Jupiter. The Marlins' fourth-ranked prospect hit four home runs, stole 11 bases, and registered a 13.1 percent walk rate in 22 games for the Hammerheads. He also propelled the team to the Florida State League playoffs (which they went on to win) by hitting a go-ahead home run with the team down to its final strike of the season, then went 5-for-14 (.357) with a pair of home runs during the playoffs. The downside was that he hit just .220 during the regular season, due largely to an astronomical 39.4 percent strikeout rate. If the 2026 first-round draft pick can make progress in that area next season, he should see time at High-A and perhaps even Double-A by season's end. At just 18 years old, it will be a few years before he debuts in the majors, but there is plenty of upside here to make him a worthy stash in dynasty leagues.
Source: MiLB.com
Source: MiLB.com
Cam Cannarella Displays Power Potential, Eyes 2027 MLB Debut
Miami Marlins outfield prospect Cam Cannarella tore through the Miami farm system this season on his way to Triple-A, logging just 19 games at High-A, then only 34 at Double-A before earning the promotion to the minors' highest level. Although his strikeout rate spiked from 12.9 percent at the lower levels to 23.8 percent while at Jacksonville, the Marlins' sixth-ranked prospect maintained a strong walk rate of 14.1 percent and still hit .282 with an .813 OPS to go along with three home runs and 11 steals in 45 games with the Jumbo Shrimp. In all, he hit 15 home runs across all three levels, not bad for someone who doesn't have a highly rated power tool, so it's something to keep an eye on in 2027. If the 23-year-old can continue to produce home runs to go with his penchant for contact and a keen eye, not to mention his plus speed, there could be a valuable fantasy asset here who would be on the verge of making his MLB debut next year.
Source: MiLB.com
Source: MiLB.com
Sandy Alcantara Will Not Start This Weekend
Miami Marlins manager Clayton McCullough said on Thursday that right-hander Sandy Alcantara will not make one more start this weekend against the division-rival Atlanta Braves, according to Stephen Strom. However, Alcantara, who picked up another save in the win over the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field on Wednesday night, will continue to be available out of the bullpen. Alcantara is 100% healthy, but McCullough said he felt like it was the right time to give the right-hander a breather with the season coming to an end this weekend. Going into Thursday's series finale against Chicago, the 31-year-old Dominican has gone 13-11 on the year with a 3.89 ERA (4.09 FIP) and 1.23 WHIP with 152 strikeouts and 59 walks in a league-high and career-high 213 innings pitched across 35 appearances (33 starts). Although he will not make another start this week, Alcantara could still help fantasy managers vying for a championship if he continues to work as a high-leverage reliever in save situations with regular closer Pete Fairbanks (hand) done for the season.
Source: Stephen Strom
Source: Stephen Strom
Xavier Edwards Remains Out of Marlins' Lineup
Miami Marlins middle infielder Xavier Edwards (thumb) continues to sit for Thursday's series finale at Wrigley Field against the Chicago Cubs, per MLB.com. Jared Serna will make the start at the keystone for the Fish and will bat eighth against Cubs left-hander Matthew Boyd. The 27-year-old Edwards injured his thumb on Saturday against the San Diego Padres and has not played since. With the Marlins eliminated from postseason contention, they might elect to sit Edwards for the rest of the final week of the regular season. He has minimal power, but Edwards is a spark plug because of his speed and contact skills, and he is currently hitting .280/.360/.371 with a .730 OPS, a career-high six home runs, 52 RBI, 21 stolen bases, and 61 runs scored across 142 games played and 595 plate appearances in just his second full season in the majors. Edwards' next chance to return to the lineup will be in Friday's series opener in Miami against the division-rival Atlanta Braves.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Xavier Edwards Still Sidelined Against Cubs
Miami Marlins middle infielder Xavier Edwards (thumb) remains out of action for Tuesday's series opener at Wrigley Field against the Chicago Cubs, according to MLB.com. Jared Serna will make the start at the keystone for the Fish on Tuesday and will bat ninth against Cubs left-hander Shota Imanaga. Edwards is missing a second straight start after he injured his thumb on Saturday in San Diego against the Padres. The Marlins are eliminated from postseason contention, but the hope is that Edwards will be able to return during the final week of the 2026 regular season. In his fourth season in the big leagues with the Marlins, the 27-year-old has had another strong season, hitting .280/.360/.371 with a .730 OPS, a career-high six home runs, 52 RBI, 21 stolen bases, and 61 runs scored in 142 games played and 595 plate appearances. Edwards is more of a contact-oriented slap hitter, but he now has three straight seasons with 20-plus stolen bases while being eligible in Yahoo leagues at both second base and shortstop.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Xavier Edwards Leaves Early on Saturday With Thumb Discomfort
Miami Marlins infielder Xavier Edwards (thumb) left Saturday night's game at Petco Park against the San Diego Padres early with discomfort in his left thumb, according to Christina De Nicola. The Marlins' training staff was checking Edwards' left hand out when he fouled a ball off in the seventh frame. It is worth noting that Edwards previously missed time this season with a sprained left thumb, which he might have aggravated on Saturday night. Before leaving the ballgame, Edwards went 0-for-3 with a walk and two strikeouts. He was replaced at the keystone in San Diego by Jared Serna. If the 27-year-old switch-hitting middle infielder did aggravate his left-thumb sprain, there is a good chance that he will not play again for the Marlins in the final week of the 2026 season. Edwards came into Wednesday's contest with a nice .282/.361/.373 slash line with a .733 OPS, a career-high six home runs, a career-high 52 RBI, 61 runs scored, and 21 stolen bases in 141 games played. He has stolen 20-plus bases in each of the last three seasons, including a career-high 31 back in 2024.
Source: MLB.com - Christina De Nicola
Source: MLB.com - Christina De Nicola
Pete Fairbanks to Undergo Surgery
Miami Marlins relief pitcher Pete Fairbanks (hand) will undergo surgery to treat thoracic outlet syndrome, Christina De Nicola of MLB.com reports. Fairbanks landed on the Injured List on Tuesday with nerve irritation in his right hand. Now, the right-hander will undergo surgery to treat the injury. Fairbanks is done for the season, and he could miss part of the 2027 season as well while he recovers from surgery. Fairbanks posted a 6.31 ERA, 1.35 WHIP, and a 57/22 K/BB ratio with 19 saves in 46 appearances with the Marlins this season. Calvin Faucher and Michael Petersen are the favorites to see save chances down the stretch in Miami.
Source: Christina De Nicola
Source: Christina De Nicola
Pete Fairbanks Lands on Injured List Again With Nerve Irritation
The Miami Marlins announced on Tuesday that they placed right-handed reliever Pete Fairbanks (hand) back on the 15-day injured list with right median nerve irritation in his right hand and recalled right-hander Bradley Blalock from Triple-A Jacksonville in a corresponding move. Fairbanks was called on to close things out against the Arizona Diamondbacks on Monday night, but he was quickly pulled after losing sensation in his hand after just returning from the IL over the weekend. Right-hander Jack Ralston was given a chance to pick up his first career save, but he instead allowed a walk-off, game-winning home run to D-backs outfielder Corbin Carroll. With Fairbanks now lost for the remainder of the 2026 campaign, right-hander Calvin Faucher will likely go back to being the favorite for saves in the ninth inning for manager Clayton McCullough. This will be Fairbanks' third time going on the IL for the same injury, which is concerning as he heads into next season. He will finish the 2026 campaign with 19 saves, an ugly 6.31 ERA, and a 1.35 WHIP in only 41 1/3 innings pitched in his first year in South Beach.
Source: Miami Marlins
Source: Miami Marlins
Max Meyer Shut Down For Rest of the Season
The Miami Marlins announced on Monday that right-hander Max Meyer (neck) will be shut down for the rest of the 2026 season, according to MLB.com's Jesse Borek. Meyer, who is currently on the 15-day injured list with a neck strain, has discontinued his throwing program and will undergo further evaluation. "He tried to get back going there, and he just wasn't able to get past the hump as he started throwing again," manager Clayton McCullough said of Meyer. "Even if we have a miracle finish here and we're able to play beyond the regular season, Max just wasn't going to have the time necessary to build up and get back to pitching." His last start will end up being on July 18, in which he lasted only three innings against the Milwaukee Brewers. It is a frustrating end to Meyer's 2026 season, but it does not take away from the fact that he was a first-time All-Star. He ranked tied for 10th among qualifying National League pitchers in fWAR (2.3) and held opposing hitters to a .206 average in the first half, mostly on the back of his nasty sweeper/slider combination that ranked in the 98th percentile in breaking ball run value (13).
Source: MLB.com - Jesse Borek
Source: MLB.com - Jesse Borek
Pete Fairbanks Dealing With More Nerve Irritation in his Hand
Just two days after returning from the injured list, Miami Marlins right-handed closer Pete Fairbanks (hand) left his save opportunity early on Monday against the Arizona Diamondbacks with more nerve irritation in his right hand, according to Jesse Borek of MLB.com. Fairbanks recently missed time due to a right median nerve irritation, an issue that caused his hand to go numb after throwing a pitch. "He's certainly frustrated," said manager Clayton McCullough. "I feel bad for Pete. He's worked hard to try to come back from this, and then to go back out, second appearance off the IL, and have a similar feeling that he did, I feel for him right now." The issue first popped up all the way back on April 27, and he was put on the IL the following day. Fairbanks said the latest bout of irritation was the worst that the injury has been. When he has been available, it has been a rocky year, as he entered Monday night with a 6.10 ERA, which is on pace to be the highest of his big-league career since he had a 6.86 ERA in 21 innings in 2019. Right-hander Jack Ralston was brought in to try to lock down his first major-league save, but he gave up a walk-off home run to outfielder Corbin Carroll. Fairbanks figures to be shut down for the rest of the season with limited time remaining on the schedule.
Source: MLB.com - Jesse Borek
Source: MLB.com - Jesse Borek
Xavier Edwards Makes Return to Marlins Lineup on Sunday
Miami Marlins second baseman Xavier Edwards (thumb) was activated off the 10-day injured list ahead of his team's matchup against the Los Angeles Dodgers on Sunday. The 27-year-old batted fifth in his return and went one-for-three with a walk and a run scored. Edwards had been sidelined since late August by a sprained thumb. Across 578 plate appearances this season, Edwards has hit .282/.362/.376 with six home runs, 51 RBI, 60 runs scored, and 20 stolen bases. The speedy switch-hitter brings almost no power to the table, as he's logged a 3.2% barrel rate and 28.7% hard-hit rate in 2026. However, he's struck out in just 13.3% of his plate appearances while posting an 11.4% walk rate. Now that he's back in action, Edwards profiles as a speed and batting average asset for fantasy managers.
Source: Miami Marlins
Source: Miami Marlins
Aiva Arquette Back on Injured List With Undisclosed Injury
The Double-A Pensacola Blue Wahoos announced on Saturday that Miami Marlins infield prospect Aiva Arquette (undisclosed) is back on the seven-day minor-league injured list with an undisclosed injury. It will be Arquette's third trip to the IL this season and will almost certainly end his 2026 campaign. The 22-year-old former seventh overall pick from Oregon State University in 2025 has hit .272/.326/.459 with a .785 OPS, 12 home runs, 48 RBI, 21 stolen bases, and 44 runs scored in 64 games across 291 plate appearances in his first full pro season with Pensacola and High-A Beloit. His numbers have been solid, but he has also missed time with a thumb injury and after having surgery for a core-muscle ailment. Arquette is considered Miami's No. 2 overall prospect, behind only left-hander Thomas White, and he will likely return to Pensacola to begin the 2027 season before potentially getting a quick call to Triple-A Jacksonville if he can stay healthy. The 6-foot-5, 220-pounder should have a realistic shot at making his MLB debut late next year or early in 2028.
Source: Pensacola Blue Wahoos
Source: Pensacola Blue Wahoos
Pete Fairbanks Returns From Injured List on Wednesday
The Miami Marlins announced on Wednesday that they reinstated right-handed closer Pete Fairbanks (hand) from the 15-day injured list and optioned right-hander Bradley Blalock to Triple-A Jacksonville in a corresponding move. Fairbanks only missed the required 15 days on the IL for his second trip to the IL this year due to medial nerve irritation in his right pitching hand. He will return to Miami's bullpen without going on a minor-league rehab assignment, so the Fish could ease him back into the fold in lower-leverage situations upon his return. The 32-year-old veteran has been Miami's primary ninth-inning option this year when healthy, but he has been a headache for fantasy managers, as he has gone 4-5 with a 6.02 ERA and 1.31 WHIP in addition to his 18 saves in his 40 1/3 innings pitched. Fairbanks may not see many closing opportunities the rest of the way, if any at all, even though he appears to have recovered from his hand injury. Fairbanks is only rostered in 60% of Yahoo leagues with the fantasy playoffs underway in most leagues.
Source: Miami Marlins
Source: Miami Marlins
Jacob Lombard Shows Off Tools in Professional Debut
Miami Marlins infield prospect Jacob Lombard capped off his professional debut with a home run and a stolen base in his last game at Single-A. It was an uneven showing through the first 22 games for the Marlins' fourth-ranked prospect, collecting six multi-hit efforts, including four home runs and 11 stolen bases, but he hit just .220 with a 39.4 percent strikeout rate. Even so, the future is still bright for the former first-rounder, who should show improvements in his first full season of professional baseball next year. There is 55-grade pop in his bat per MLB.com, along with 65-grade speed, so there is plenty to like about the 6-foot-3 slugger in terms of fantasy potential. The hit tool is the wild card here, but with his pedigree (brother of George Lombard Jr., who is already in the majors at age 21), assume he'll make the proper adjustments, and the power/speed upside is worth the batting average risk, leaving the 18-year-old as a worthy top-five pick in first-year player drafts.
Source: MiLB.com
Source: MiLB.com
Heriberto Hernandez an Intriguing Power/Speed Bat to Target
Across 426 plate appearances in 2026, Miami Marlins outfielder Heriberto Hernandez is hitting .228/.312/.466 with 24 home runs, 63 RBI, 45 runs scored, and 11 stolen bases. With a 27.5% strikeout rate, Hernandez profiles as a batting average drain for fantasy managers. However, the 26-year-old carries high-end power upside with a 13.7% barrel rate and a 47.3% hard-hit rate. Hernandez also offers some intriguing speed potential, as he's 11-for-15 as a base stealer this season and has logged six stolen bases since the All-Star break. In leagues where he remains available on the waiver wire, Hernandez profiles as one of the more appealing power/speed targets for fantasy managers.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
