During a Miami Marlins vs. Tampa Bay Rays game on Saturday, Marlins starter Ryan Weathers was struck in the head by a warmup throw from his catcher, Nick Fortes. The incident occurred during the customary pre-inning warmup, where the catcher throws the ball to second base to simulate a potential steal situation. Fortes’ throw caught Weathers right in the head, causing him to drop to the mound in apparent pain. Trainers quickly emerged to examine the left-hander, raising concerns about the potential severity of the injury.
Despite the incident, Weathers shook off the blow and remained in the game to start the first inning. He pitched a clean first inning with just eight pitches, showing no immediate signs of injury. However, he was ultimately removed from the game after three innings for precautionary reasons. The decision to pull Weathers came after he had thrown only 57 pitches, suggesting that the incident, rather than the game’s progression, likely influenced the early exit. The Marlins have since announced that Weathers would undergo further evaluation to determine the extent of any potential injury.
The incident has raised questions about player safety and the protocols in place for such situations in Major League Baseball. While warmup throws are a routine part of pre-inning preparation, this incident highlights the potential for accidents, especially during moments of inattention or poor timing. Baseball officials have not issued a statement on the matter, but the event has sparked discussions about the need for stricter safety measures to prevent such injuries in the future.
Weathers, who is in his fifth season in the MLB, has been a key part of the Marlins’ rotation this season. After struggles early in his career, including a trade to Miami in 2023, he has performed well, posting a 3.63 ERA in 16 starts in 2024. This latest incident comes at a critical point in the season, as the Marlins have struggled with a 24-38 record despite their recent win over Tampa Bay. The team was recently swept by the Colorado Rockies, who hold the worst record in the MLB at 12-51 as of Saturday.
With Weathers being a vital piece of the team’s pitching staff, his injury could have significant implications for the Marlins’ season, particularly with their current standings. The team will now have to assess how the incident affects Weathers’ availability and performance moving forward. This incident has also prompted fans and analysts to call for increased safety measures in the sport, emphasizing the need for a more proactive approach to prevent similar injuries in the future.