MIAMI -- Marlins right-hander Janson Junk will be reinstated from the 15-day injured list to start Thursday night against the Mariners at loanDepot park, manager Clayton McCullough announced.
Junk, who was placed on the IL with right shin bone inflammation on May 28, made his second rehab start for Triple-A Jacksonville last Saturday. In the 61-pitch outing, he allowed one run on five hits with no walks, one hit-by-pitch and three strikeouts. Most importantly, Junk came out of it unscathed: On June 28 to begin his rehab assignment, Junk was struck on the left wrist by a 106 mph comebacker.
"Junk came out of that [Tuesday pitch design session] feeling really good," McCullough said. "He was sharp, and he feels great."
The 30-year-old Junk takes over the rotation spot that had previously been used as a bullpen game or with right-hander Ryan Gusto starting but receiving a quick hook if he showed any signs of trouble. Junk becomes the second Marlins starting pitcher to return within the past month, joining righty Eury Pérez.
At the time of his injury, Junk posted a 3-5 record and a 4.80 ERA in 11 starts this season after earning the fifth spot in the Opening Day rotation over lefty Braxton Garrett.
"We're getting some pieces back, and certainly having Eury back now, three some odd starts has been great," McCullough said. "And now excited to get Janson back. He's a quality pitcher. Getting some guys back from some time off, and hopefully they can just pick right back up and keep helping us win."