Globe iconLogin iconRecap iconSearch iconTickets icon

Healthy returns key for Marlins this season

Fernandez, Stanton getting back on field, producing could push Miami to postseason

MIAMI -- The Marlins are one of the fortunate franchises to have both a Cy Young-caliber pitcher and an MVP-caliber position player. When healthy, ace Jose Fernandez and slugger Giancarlo Stanton give the organization a dynamic duo.

One of the glaring questions Miami has entering Spring Training is when will both be at the top of their respective games at the same time? Fernandez (Tommy John surgery) and Stanton (facial fractures) are among a handful of key Marlins on the mend as Spring Training approaches.

MLB.com takes a quick look at Marlins on the rebound heading into camp.

RHP Fernandez: The 2013 National League Rookie of the Year Award winner was limited to eight starts and 51 2/3 innings in '14 after suffering a ligament tear to his throwing elbow. Fernandez underwent Tommy John surgery on May 16, and he is projected to return between June 15-July 15. He will throw off the mound early in camp.

OF Stanton: His goal was to appear in all 162 games last year, and he was on his way until being struck in the face by a pitch at Milwaukee on Sept. 11. The frightening injury left the slugger with numerous facial fractures, plus dental damage. The good news is Stanton is ready to go full speed at camp.

Video: Outlook: Stanton is an elite, multi-talented player

RHP Mat Latos: A left knee injury hindered Latos' 2014 season with the Reds. He made 16 starts and threw 102 1/3 innings, and his final outing was on Sept. 7. Fully recovered, Latos will start Spring Training with no restrictions. He is expected to pitch at the top of the rotation.

RHP Bryan Morris: Acquired from the Pirates in June, Morris became a reliable setup reliever for Miami. But in September, the right-hander was shut down due to a groin injury. Morris wasn't placed on the disabled list, but his season ended after 64 1/3 innings, including 40 2/3 with the Marlins. He should be ready to go at the start of camp.

Video: MIA@MIL: Morris works into, out of bases-loaded jam

3B Martin Prado: The Yankees placed Prado on the 60-day disabled list on Sept. 16 due to an appendectomy. The veteran third baseman was removed from the DL on Oct. 31, and he was acquired by Miami on Dec. 19. Fully recovered, Prado will work with the regulars from the start of camp.

CF Marcell Ozuna: When the 2014 season ended, Ozuna was hobbling around in a walking boot. The center fielder rolled his right ankle on Sept. 21, which was his final game. He didn't go on the DL. The 24-year-old is better and ready to rebound when full-squad workouts begin on Feb. 24.

Joe Frisaro is a reporter for MLB.com. He writes a blog, called The Fish Pond. Follow him on Twitter @JoeFrisaro.
Read More: Miami Marlins, Giancarlo Stanton, Jose Fernandez, Marcell Ozuna, Mat Latos, Bryan Morris, Martin Prado