Miami Marlins: Dillon Peters promotion and reasonable expectations

News of the Miami Marlins promoting Dillon Peters should have fans excited. But it’s best to temper expectations for now.

It’s the move Miami Marlins fans have been waiting for. Since returning from a fractured thumb injury, Peters has looked the part of former top prospect. But even with his success in the minor leagues, it’s best to keep your expectations at a reasonable level.

Peters was a highly touted prospect coming out of high school. Injuries derailing opportunity have been the story of his young career, though. He was expected to be a first day selection in the draft until an elbow injury caused him to fall to the Marlins in the 10th round.

He’s set to make his long-awaited debut. Be excited, but don’t expect a savior.

Dillon Peters is a stocky left-hander with a lot of potential. Everyone had him pegged as a first day selection coming out of high school. His commitment to Texas, which he ultimately honored scared teams away. He has the stuff teams look for in a top-of-the-rotation starter.

But this will be the first time he faces Major League competition. He isn’t “the answer”. He isn’t going to put the team on his back and carry them through the month of September and into the playoffs. Dillon Peters isn’t the missing piece that puts Miami over the top.

But he should be good. He should be another solid arm for the Marlins to trot out to the mound every fifth day. Considering the state of the starting rotation, that’s a boost the Marlins will gladly welcome. He should be better than what they currently have.

Expect a learning curve. Peters isn’t expected to toss eight innings and keep the opposing team off the scoreboard. A quality start is plenty.

Well-timed promotion

The Miami Marlins did well to pick when he is going to make his Major League debut. It’ll be at home, against the worst team in baseball. Peters is expected to make his debut on Friday against the Philadelphia Phillies.

Peters likely would have been called up much earlier in the season had it not been for his injury. The way the Marlins rotation has turned over this season, it was only a matter of time. They’ve exhausted all of their second-tier options ahead of his start on Friday.

The team was wise to take their time with him. For most of the season, Miami wasn’t pegged as a contender. Coming back from injury, there was no reason to rush him along. Now it appears that need, roster expansion, and readiness are meeting at the perfect time.

Next: Marlins still in good shape despite Nationals sweep

Dillon Peters will make his long-awaited debut against the Phillies on Friday. Everyone is rooting for success, but it’s best not to set unreasonable expectations. His ceiling is high, but he isn’t riding into town on a white stallion.