MIAMI — The Marlins lost again on Monday, this time 5-1 to the Chicago Cubs, and they sent their deposed closer, Steve Cishek, down to the minors just a few months after he closed 2014 with 39 saves.
You might understandably conclude that this was yet another bad day for the Marlins — but it wasn’t.
Monday was actually a very good one for the Marlins — but not because of anything that happened on a big-league ballpark.
No, the really good stuff was happening two hours north of Miami, on a minor-league field in Jupiter, where Jose Fernandez made his first mound appearance since he had Tommy John surgery early last season.
In a word, Fernandez was brilliant, firing his fastball from 94 to 97 mph. He pitched three no-hit scoreless innings, allowing just one walk and striking out seven.
The Marlins have had a miserable season so far, falling from expectations. But the thought of their pitching staff getting fully healthy gives the franchise hope.
As of now, their top four pitchers are on the disabled list, leading the list with Fernandez, who would jump to No. 1 on the staff if he can return throwing like he did on Monday.
Henderson Alvarez, an All-Star last year, would be No. 2 in the rotation if he can get over the shoulder inflammation that has plagued him all year.
Jarred Cosart (vertigo) would be No. 3, and Mat Latos (left knee) would be No. 4, although he has been a huge disappointment so far.
If those four were fully healthy, Dan Haren would be No. 5 in what could be an excellent rotation.
David Phelps, Tom Koehler and Brad Hand would return to the bullpen, which now features A.J. Ramos as the closer and set-up men Mike Dunn, Bryan Morris and Carter Capps.
That’s the Marlins’ dream. Now let’s see if it comes true.