Marlins lose to Orioles 5-2 on July 12 as an injury scare to starter Edward Cabrera overshadows Kyle Stowers' return to Baltimore. Get the latest update.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
It was a night that started with a warm welcome for a returning All-Star and ended with a collective, cautious sigh of relief. Unfortunately, in between, the Miami Marlins dropped their third straight game, a 5-2 decision to the Orioles, but the final score felt secondary to the health of starter Edward Cabrera, who left the mound with a worrying injury concern.
'It's just a little fatigue but nothing major, thank goodness.' - Edward Cabrera on his early exit.
The most pivotal moment at Oriole Park didn't involve a big hit, but a slow walk to the dugout. After just four innings and having given up four runs, Edward Cabrera's night was over due to right elbow discomfort. The sight of a trainer visiting the mound is one no fan wants to see, especially for a key rotation piece. While Cabrera later reassured reporters that it was 'just a little fatigue,' the team and its fans will be anxiously awaiting further updates. For a pitching staff that has been a source of strength, any potential long-term absence for Cabrera would be a massive blow.
While the Cabrera news dominated the evening, it was supposed to be a special night for Kyle Stowers. The Marlins' All-Star outfielder, playing his first game in Baltimore since last year's trade, received a well-deserved ovation from the Orioles faithful. He tipped his helmet and soaked it in, finishing the night 1-for-3 with a walk. Unfortunately, his new team couldn't give him much run support. Orioles starter Dean Kremer was masterful, carving up the Marlins lineup for seven shutout innings. Miami was held scoreless until the ninth, when Otto Lopez finally broke the silence with a two-run blast to avoid the shutout.
With Cabrera's status now an unknown, the Marlins' rotation plans are suddenly murky. Janson Junk (3-1, 3.12 ERA) is slated to take the mound for the next game, and he'll be counted on to provide stability. If Cabrera needs to miss a start or two, the team will have to dip into its depth. While no immediate moves have been announced, it's a reminder of the importance of the farm system. Down in Triple-A Jacksonville, players like Jakob Marsee continue to develop, with the outfielder impressing with his combination of power (11 HR) and speed (39 SB). While he can't help the big-league rotation, his progress is a bright spot for the organization's future.
Saturday's loss stings, dropping the Marlins further below .500 to 42-51. But the real story is the health of Edward Cabrera's right arm. The team desperately needs to snap this three-game losing streak, and they'll look to Janson Junk to play stopper in the next game. For now, it's a waiting game—waiting for a win, and more importantly, waiting for good news on Cabrera.
