25-Year-Old Prospect Makes Marlins Opening Day Roster

The Return of Max Meyer

The UCL tear in Meyer’s elbow followed with Tommy John surgery, keeping him out for the rest of the 2022 season and all of 2023 as well. Meyer finally got to return to the mound this spring and has looked great in seven scoreless Grapefruit League innings, allowing four hits and only allowed a walk. With Meyer in the fold, manager Skip Schumaker said last week that “everyone is on the table” in regards to fill-in starters. The other pitcher who was a candidate for the fifth starting role was Bryan Hoeing. Jesús Luzardo, A.J. Puk, Trevor Rogers and Ryan Weathers will serve as the top four of the Marlins rotation.

Pitching Coach Appreciates Meyer

Marlins pitching coach Mel Stottlemyre Jr. appreciate’s the eagerness of Meyer. However, he doesn’t want to rush him too fast as this is his first season being healthy.

“He wants to grow,” telling Jordan McPherson of Yahoo! News. “He told me today, ‘I’m ready’, but there’s the part of he went through the surgery, so you have to respect that time line and what doctors give you. … We’re treating him like a starter, helping bring the changeup along. Get him in spring training feeling like he’s trying to make the club and watch him in between.”

Meyer’s Prospect Profile

Keith Law of The Athletic ranked the right-hander as the No. 3 prospect in the Marlins farm system. Here’s what he said of the promising pitcher.

“Meyer reached the majors in 2022 but blew out his elbow after two appearances and hasn’t pitched since then. Although he should be ready to go for spring training. He throws hard, reaching 99 mph in college and pitching 93-96 as a starter in the pros, with a plus slider, but the fastball’s very flat and even before the injury the majority of scouts I talked to said he would have to move to the bullpen. I’d at least try to start him for now, assuming his stuff is back after Tommy John, as the relief option will always be there if needed.”

Meyer drew plent of attentnion coming out of the University of Minnesota. He lived up to expectations, posting a 2.77 over 170 career innings in the minors. He put up a 26.6% strikeout rate and an 8.7% walk rate.