ST. LOUIS – Janson Junk took his first step back toward Miami’s rotation on Sunday, making a rehab start for Triple-A Jacksonville as he works his way back from right shin bone inflammation, but exited early after being struck in the left wrist by a line drive.
The right-hander threw 2 2/3 innings in his first rehab outing, allowing three hits and one home run while striking out three for Triple-A Jacksonville. He threw 42 pitches, including 30 strikes, and did not issue a walk.
Junk’s outing ended in the third inning after he was struck by the 106 mph line drive. There was no immediate update on his wrist.
The assignment marked Junk’s first game action since being placed on the 15-day injured list on May 28.
"It's exciting," manager Clayton McCullough said on Friday. "We hope that in the not-too-distant future Janson rejoins us as well, and then you get back to having the full starters that we started the season with.
“Janson is a really good pitcher, and we'll be excited when he's able to come back here and join us. So, encouraging that he's able to take that next step."
Before landing on the injured list, Junk held a 3-5 record, sporting a 4.80 ERA in 11 starts after earning the fifth spot in Miami’s Opening Day rotation over Braxton Garrett.
Since then, Ryan Gusto and Tyler Phillips have filled out the rotation behind Sandy Alcantara, Eury Pérez and Max Meyer after Chris Paddack was designated for assignment on May 5.
"Junk will come back in the rotation," McCullough said when asked about Junk’s role upon returning.