The Miami Marlins have been conducting spring training in Jupiter for over a week, with Grapefruit League games set to begin this Saturday. Amid preparations for the 2026 season, the team is starting to take shape, though an ankle injury to right-handed pitcher Janson Junk has raised concerns about his readiness.
Junk, who suffered an ankle roll during dynamic warmups on Tuesday, missed a scheduled pitch design session on Wednesday and is set to have imaging tests conducted in Miami, according to MLB.com’s Christina De Nicola. The injury interrupts the developmental timing of Junk, who appeared in 21 games last year, making 16 starts with a 4.17 ERA and 3.14 FIP across 110 innings. As he is out of minor league options, his spot on the Opening Day roster likely hinges on his health status and recovery pace. Even minor damage to Junk’s ankle could delay his progression toward being a consistent starter this season.
Other Pitchers’ Status in Camp
Right-handed reliever Anthony Bender, recovering from a shin flare-up, threw a bullpen session on Tuesday and is expected to return to live game action soon. Bender had an impressive 2.16 ERA over 51 outings totaling 50 innings last season but has yet to face hitters in camp.
Left-hander Andrew Nardi, sidelined all of last season due to a back injury, is dealing with a blood blister that has set back his preparation by a few days. Nardi resumed throwing on Tuesday but remains behind schedule compared to other pitchers. His last Major League appearance came in August 2024, when he posted a 5.07 ERA in just under 50 innings.
Robby Snelling to Start Opening Grapefruit League Game
The Marlins’ first Grapefruit League start will feature left-handed prospect Robby Snelling, who was announced by manager Clayton McCullough as the starter against the New York Mets in Port St. Lucie. The Mets will counter with left-hander Brandon Waddell.
Snelling, ranked third in the Fish On First prospect list, struggled in his limited spring appearances last year before excelling in Double-A and Triple-A, recording a 2.51 ERA and an impressive strikeout rate of nearly 11 per nine innings over 136 innings. At 22 years old, he is poised to become a critical addition to the Marlins’ pitching staff as the season unfolds. This initial outing is expected to last just one inning, with incremental workload increases planned similar to last spring.
Marlins’ Union Representation Reacts to MLBPA Leadership Change
Newly acquired reliever Pete Fairbanks, a member of the Major League Baseball Players Association’s eight-player executive subcommittee, addressed the recent resignation of MLBPA executive director Tony Clark. Speaking to the Miami Herald’s Jordan McPherson, Fairbanks conveyed the players’ determination to remain unified and continue their efforts in collective bargaining this year.
“The players remain focused on their ongoing preparations for collective bargaining this year. The strength of this union is—and will always be—the solidarity of our membership. We have a long history of fighting for the rights of every player, and we’re committed to making sure we can continue that fight successfully.”
?Pete Fairbanks, MLBPA Executive Subcommittee Member
Implications for the Marlins’ Season Outlook
The ankle injury to Janson Junk introduces uncertainty around a key rotation candidate at a critical time in spring training, potentially impacting the Marlins’ pitching depth as they head toward Opening Day. Combined with ongoing health concerns for pitchers Anthony Bender and Andrew Nardi, the team’s staff faces an early challenge in preparation and workload management.
Meanwhile, the initiation of Robby Snelling into major league action offers a hopeful glimpse into the Marlins’ future rotation, while Pete Fairbanks’ leadership role in the players’ union highlights the broader business and labor context affecting this MLB season. The Marlins will need to monitor player health carefully and rely on developing talent as they seek to build momentum ahead of the competitive 2026 campaign.
