Ryan Weathers finally returning to Marlins rotation on Wednesday

[Kevin Barral]

Weathers is set to start on Wednesday against the Los Angeles Dodgers, his first big league action since June 7.

After spending over three months on the injured list, Miami Marlins lefty Ryan Weathers is expected to be reinstated to start Wednesday's game against the Los Angeles Dodgers, a source told Fish On First. The 24-year-old is coming back from a left index finger strain.

Entering spring training, Weathers was buried deep on Miami's starting rotation depth chart, projected to begin the 2024 season as a swingman or member of the Triple-A Jacksonville pitching staff. But as camp progressed, he showed improved command and velocity, leading to more swing-and-miss. Injuries to several other starters created room for him to make the Opening Day rotation.

Weathers was enjoying a breakout season. After some early struggles, he locked in and posted a 1.91 ERA in the month of May, including eight scoreless innings on May 14 against the Detroit Tigers and 11 strikeouts against the Texas Rangers on June 1. Through 13 starts, he posted a 3.55 ERA, 3.93 FIP, 8.49 K/9 and 2.54 BB/9 in 71 innings pitched. These rate stats are all career highs for the former first-round draft pick.

Compared to previous years, Weathers has begun to trust his secondary stuff and rely less on his four-seam fastball. This season, his sweeper has generated an incredible 55.3 whiff% with his changeup at a 39.5 whiff%. His four-seamer is averaging 95.9 mph, which is the best of his career as well.

Facing the Cleveland Guardians on June 7, Weathers was removed during the third inning due to the finger injury. It took a long time for it to completely heal, so he did not begin a throwing program until after the All-Star break.

During his three minor league rehab starts, Weathers struck out 16 hitters in 10 ⅔ innings pitched. His final start came on September 13 with AAA-Jacksonville, where he went five scoreless innings of work. He used his entire pitch mix with his four-seamer averaging 94.7 mph and topping out at 96.4 mph.

If the Marlins use a five-man rotation, Weathers could make three starts before the end of the season: one each against the Dodgers, Minnesota Twins and Toronto Blue Jays. The Blue Jays matchup would be Game 162, just like in 2023 when he also started the club's regular season finale.

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