Knee inflammation shuts down Marlins catcher Jorge Alfaro

There is no timetable as to when Miami Marlins catcher Jorge Alfaro will rejoin the team. Alfaro is still dealing with inflammation in his right knee.

This is not how the Miami Marlins and catcher Jorge Alfaro expected their relationship to start after the catcher moved down I-95 to join his new ballclub. Inflammation in his right knee that he suffered in the first spring training game of the year has forced the 25-year-old to rest and has been shut down by the organization until he is healthy.

The move to keep Alfaro out of all baseball activities has put the team in a bind in terms of getting him reps with his new pitching staff. The injury has also allowed manager Don Mattingly and the coaching staff to get a long look at other catching prospects.

Per Joe Frisaro of MLB.com, the news of the team’s decision comes 20 days before the Marlins open their season against the Rockies on March 28, but the organization remains hopeful Alfaro still has time to be ready.

"“Obviously, we don’t necessarily like that we have inflammation coming back, but I’m not concerned about Opening Day,” manager [Don] Mattingly said Friday morning. “I feel pretty confident about that and him getting the at-bats.”"

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Alfaro was one of the key puzzle pieces involved in the trade that sent J.T. Realmuto to Philadelphia. In his first full season as a Major Leaguer, Alfaro showed promise, where he hit .262/.324/.407 with 10 home runs and 37 RBIs. In a short stint in Spring Training with the Marlins, he’s hit two singles in five at-bats.

It’s an injury that has not allowed Jorge Alfaro to get the necessary work in he needs to be ready for Opening Day.

"“Obviously, it’s been a little bit of a broken camp for him – on some, off some and back off,” Mattingly said. “Just the rhythm of it, I’m sure he doesn’t like. But as far as long term, it’s not really something I’m worried about.”"

Alfaro is just one of several new faces that will make up the Marlins 25-man roster, a group that took a huge hit at catcher after the Realmuto trade. Realmuto was the Marlins best player last season and most reliable power source. Veteran additions to the roster, with the development of young talent, will be a challenge this season for Mattingly and his coaching staff.

Alfaro is being counted on to become part of a core of players the organization can build around.

"“It sounds like they want to shut him down until they get the inflammation out of there,” Mattingly said."