Miami Marlins: Ozuna recalled, Yelich to DL

More from Marlins News

The prolonged wait has ended.

Marcell Ozuna

has finally been called up to the Marlins. He’ll be taking the spot of

Christian Yelich

, who will be placed on the 15-day DL for his knee injury.

The 23-year-old Yelich suffered his injury on Sunday when trying to rob Jonny Gomes‘ home run in Atlanta. Six days, later, Yelich has not fully recovered, as the bruise on his knee continues to swell.

Not many imagined the starting outfield in Miami to be Ichiro Suzuki, Cole Gillespie, and Derek Dietrich, but with Yelich out, the Marlins have turned to that option.

The past three games have stood as the longest stretch without the Marlins’ starting three outfielders from opening day — Marcell Ozuna, Giancarlo Stanton, and Christian Yelich.

Ozuna, who will bat fifth tonight against St. Louis, had played 33 games in Triple-A New Orleans, where he slashed .317/.379/.558 with five homers and 21 RBI.

ICYMI: Marlins trying to delay Ozuna’s arbitration clock?

Prior to Sunday’s injury, Christian Yelich had been on a roll, batting .387 in his past seven games with four doubles, four RBI, and four steals. He’s upped his season slash line to .275/.343/.376 while posting a 1.4 WAR.

Can Yelich keep up his hot streak following an injury?

If anything, his speed may suffer down the stretch of 2015, but his hitting should keep up. He’s on a definite upward trend this season, but this proved to be the wrong time to get injured.

[table id=88 /]

Miami hopes for Yelich to return by the end of the season, but they shouldn’t rush him, like they haven’t with any player this season. The largest delay was that of Marcell Ozuna, who the Marlins kept in AAA for well over a month in effort to delay his arbitration clock.

ICYMI: What’s the Marlins’ master plan for Ozuna?

Players began to realize the Marlins’ plan, and have voiced frustration throughout his MLB absence. Without a doubt, Ozuna proved that he was one of Miami’s top three outfielders in his first couple of days in Triple-A.

Can he keep it up at the big league level?

This remains yet another question to ask, and another thing to watch for during the rest of the 2015 season.

ICYMI: Six things to watch for the rest of 2015

The best case scenario for the Marlins is that all three outfielders (Yelich, Stanton, Ozuna) are healthy come Opening Day 2016, and perform near their potential. There remains no reason to rush these guys back.

Do you have an article idea for Marlin Maniac? Tweet it out using #MMfanpitch for your chance to see your idea posted!

Follow Marlin Maniac on Twitter @MarlinManiac for all your Miami Marlins news, opinion and analysis!

Next: Loria denying offers to sell team

More from Marlin Maniac

Home / Marlins News