Marlins place All-Star pitcher Max Meyer on injured list with neck strain

The Miami Marlins have placed All-Star pitcher Max Meyer on the 15-day injured list following a diagnosis of neck strain. Manager Clayton McCullough confirmed that the 27-year-old right-hander experienced sensations in his neck during a start in Seattle on 7 July, with the issue resurfacing during the third inning of a game in Milwaukee on Saturday.

Meyer, who holds a 9-1 record and a 2.68 earned run average across 20 starts this season, is scheduled to be examined by Dr Robert Watkins IV in Los Angeles later this week. McCullough indicated that the club is seeking a comprehensive assessment of the injury before determining the exact duration of Meyer’s absence, though he anticipates the pitcher will be sidelined for at least a couple of weeks.

To fill the vacancy on the 26-man roster, the Marlins have recalled right-hander Zach Brzykcy from Triple-A. The move comes as the team manages multiple roster disruptions, with the medical evaluation of Meyer remaining the primary focus for the front office.

In addition to the pitching update, shortstop Otto Lopez remains out of the starting lineup for a second consecutive game due to finger inflammation. McCullough noted that Lopez’s condition is improving, with reduced swelling and increased range of motion observed during Monday’s activities.

Lopez, who is batting .335 with nine home runs and 41 runs batted in over 97 games this season, participated in cage hitting and fielding drills on Monday. McCullough expressed optimism regarding the shortstop’s return, stating he does not anticipate Lopez being out of the lineup for much longer.