Marlins Drew Steckenrider to meet with Dr. James Andrews

Miami Marlins reliever Drew Steckenrider will meet with Dr. James Andrews to get a further evaluation of his injured right elbow, the team announced.

Whenever Dr. James Andrews is mentioned regarding a sports injury, things become a little more real as to the severity of the situation. For Marlins reliever Drew Steckenrider, that could mean more extensive time on the Injured List and away from the team.

Steckenrider is meeting with the renowned orthopedic surgeon to get a second opinion on his right elbow that has forced the team to shut down the reliever until further notice.

"“The 28-year-old setup reliever experienced some tightness in his throwing arm on May 6 at the Cubs, and he went on the injured list with right elbow inflammation two days later,” Joe Frisaro of MLB.com confirmed.“The Marlins are now calling Steckenrider’s injury a right flexor strain.”"

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The injury means the team will be without Steckenrider in the bullpen, which also means the team loses another veteran to injury. The Marlins have been fairly healthy so far this season, but losing Steckenrider for an extended period of time means the coaching staff must find his replacement and shuffle things in the bullpen.

It could also mean the Marlins may seek more help from their minor league system in the interim. Elieser Hernandez had his contract purchased by Miami from Triple-A New Orleans over the weekend.

Steckenrider was expected to compete for the open closer’s role with the team in Spring Training with reliever Adam Conley. The team’s decision to bring in veteran Sergio Romo changed that as both pitchers have been used in middle relief and set-up roles.

Of the injury, Frisaro wrote it was something that just happened.

"“There were no visible signs that anything was wrong with Marlins reliever Drew Steckenrider. His average four-seam fastball velocity, according to Statcast, is 94.7 mph, up slightly from 94.6 mph a year ago,” he added."

Steckenrider was first seen by the Miami’s medical director Dr. Lee Kaplan who first made the diagnosis.

Steckenrider has had an up and down season so far with the team. He has thrown 14 1/3 innings this year and is 0-2 with a 6.28 ERA, 14 strikeouts and five walks. He has allowed nine hits, but six have been home runs. His performance is one of the continuing themes of the bullpen this season.

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With Hernandez now on the roster, he could be asked to take on a more definitive role in the bullpen. Also, Nick Anderson and Tayron Guerrero will be counted on to work more innings. The team could also turn to Wei-Yin Chen, who has pitched better this month and has shown more comfort coming out of the bullpen.

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