MIAMI – Marlins No. 2 prospect Robby Snelling underwent left elbow UCL repair surgery with an internal brace on Friday. The operation was performed by Dr. Keith Meister, and the timeline for return to play is 10-12 months.
"Disappointing for him, us," manager Clayton McCullough said ahead of the procedure. "That's an unfortunate part of our industry. Guys go down. ... We just keep going, and Robby will come back from this a stronger person."
Snelling (MLB Pipeline’s No. 28 overall prospect) experienced soreness in his left elbow during his bullpen session on May 12 following his Major League debut on May 8 and before his scheduled start on May 14 in Minneapolis.
An MRI would reveal a sprained UCL in Snelling’s left elbow, so Miami placed him on the 15-day injured list and recalled veteran lefty Braxton Garrett to take his rotation spot. Snelling was transferred to the 60-day IL on Thursday to make space on the 40-man roster for the acquisition of outfielder Rece Hinds from the Reds.
The Marlins had hoped Snelling, their 2025 Minor League Pitcher of the Year, could provide a spark after Chris Paddack was designated for assignment earlier this month. At the time of his callup, Snelling was one of the most dominant pitchers in the Minors, with a 1.86 ERA (second lowest in the International League), a 0.90 WHIP (third lowest) and 44 strikeouts (tied for the second most) in six starts. Snelling also earned International League Pitcher of the Week honors for tossing five no-hit frames his last time on the mound for Triple-A Jacksonville.
The 22-year-old Snelling became the second starting pitcher on the Marlins’ 40-man roster to undergo elbow surgery this year, joining right-hander Adam Mazur. Miami took another blow to its depth by optioning Garrett to Triple-A Jacksonville on Wednesday after a second consecutive short start in Snelling's place.