Marlins set shutdown date for pitcher Jose Fernandez

According to a published report from Joe Frisaro of MLB.com, the Miami Marlins finally have a publicized plan for when to shutdown their young pitching phenom, Jose Fernandez.

The plan that Frisaro lays out includes exactly two more starts for Fernandez, and those two outings are supposed to include no more than 12 innings. In addition, both starts will come at home in Miami, and while the rumored rationale was to “protect the young pitcher”, it could clearly be a cash grab for the organization that knows how big of a draw Fernandez has been.

It has been clear for months that a “shutdown” date was coming for Fernandez, and it is, at least, positive to see the Marlins following through with it. The 20-year-old right-hander has been a revelation this season, posting a 2.33 ERA in 158.2 innings, and the fact that it was a shock to see him promoted to the majors reminds us of just how young he is.

With the news surrounding Matt Harvey, there is skepticism around the entire “pitch limit/innings limit” movement. However, Miami is firmly out of the playoff race, and Fernandez (at age 20) is so young that it makes perfect sense in this case. Now, let’s all hope that this, and anything else the Marlins try, helps to keep the young man healthy and pitching.