Top MLB prospect goes on IL just after making his debut

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May 14, 2026 - 15:03

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Top MLB prospect goes on IL just after making his debut

We can’t have nice things. It’s just that simple. After impatiently waiting for Robby Snelling to make his MLB debut, the left-hander made it through five innings before disaster struck. As far as debuts go, Snelling had a solid performance. He allowed three runs in five innings of work while striking out two. He was able to work around five hits and four walks. While not an ideal debut, it’s easy to see the upside and talent.

MORE: New York Mets season has gone from bad to worse after latest injury

Injury Update

Feb 23, 2025; Port St. Lucie, Florida, USA. Miami Marlins pitcher Robby Snelling throws a pitch during the second inning against the New York Mets at Clover Park. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-Imagn Images

Unfortunately, though, that has now been put on hold indefinitely. The hope is that Snelling didn’t leave his best work in the minor leagues. Still, it’s unclear when his next start will be. The Marlins placed Snelling on the Injured List with what no pitcher ever wants to hear: a sprained UCL.

At this point, it’s unclear what Snelling’s outlook is, as I’m sure further testing is required and is being completed. Of course, we know that the likely answer here is surgery, but the hope is that it’s something that can be managed with rest or a minor procedure.

Worst case scenario, though, and of course that’s where we are conditioned to go, is that Snelling is headed for surgery and we won’t see him in Miami again until the second half of the 2027 MLB season.

Being Conservative Made No Difference

Feb 21, 2026; Port St. Lucie, Florida, USA. Miami Marlins starting pitcher Robby Snelling (61) delivers a pitch against the New York Mets during the first inning at Clover Park. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

Miami has previously been conservative with Snelling despite his utter domination. In Triple-A last year (1.27 ERA, 0.98 WHIP, and 81 strikeouts in 63.2 innings), but he clearly forced the issue to begin 2026. In 29 innings, Snelling struck out 44 batters and had a 1.88 ERA and 0.90 WHIP. It was clear that Snelling was ready for MLB, and the Marlins had no choice but to elevate him.

Now, it’s time to continue being conservative. Snelling’s future is too bright to do anything less. From a 2026 standpoint, Braxton Garrett is now healthy after having UCL surgery and missing all of 2025. With a 2.30 ERA and 0.80 WHIP at Triple-A so far this year, he’s capable of stepping in while Snelling comes back better than ever.

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