Marlins don't think line drive affected Fernandez

SAN FRANCISCO -- Miami Marlins manager Mike Redmond responded to criticism leveled by Tampa attorney Ralph Fernandez, who released a statement Friday following successful Tommy John surgery on Marlins pitching ace Jose Fernandez.

The lawyer alleged that Fernandez changed his delivery after being struck in the thigh by a line drive in a start against the Los Angeles Dodgers, a change he wrote "neither the staff nor his coaches could discern."

Redmond, a former Major League catcher who made his living by noticing slight changes in his pitchers, said getting hit by a line drive should not result in a change of delivery.

"I don't think so," he said. "Jose has pretty big thighs. I don't think it affected him. He looked the same to me that game."

Fernandez reported soreness in his right elbow during his next start in San Diego against the Padres, which led to the diagnosis of a tear in his elbow that led to Friday's surgery in Los Angeles.

"If it was bothering him, he should have said something," Redmond said.