Miami Marlins Starter Not Expected To Be Ready For Quite Some Time

The Miami Marlins starting pitching is deep. Very deep. But that doesn't mean they're liking the latest update on one of the most talented of the whole group, 24-year-old Sixto Sanchez.

According to a report by MLB Insider Jon Heyman, Sanchez, recovering from yet another shoulder surgery in October, won't be ready for Opening Day. In fact, writes Heyman, he isn't expected to be ready "until summer."

Now that's a pretty vague timeline, so it's unclear just exactly when he'll be ready, but he is in camp, and at least is "simulating" a throwing motion... with a towel.

Sixto Sanchez simulated throwing off a mound today. Again, #Marlins manager Skip Schumaker said the hope is he’ll be fully throwing off a mound at some point next week. pic.twitter.com/IRqunU3WDN
— Jordan McPherson (@J_McPherson1126) February 24, 2023

Marlins manager Skip Schumaker said the hope is that he’ll be fully throwing off a mound—for real—at some point next week.

Sanchez is listed as 6 feet, 234 pounds, but the young pitcher says he's lost 50 pounds this offseason in getting his body ready for his first big league action since 2020. He's building arm strength, but it'll be a while yet before we see him in game action.

Photo: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports