Marlins Face Early Season Challenge with Morel Injury
MIAMI - Just hours before the first pitch of the 2026 season, the Miami Marlins faced an unexpected hurdle. Christopher Morel, their versatile new acquisition, strained his left oblique and was scratched from the lineup. With no update on his condition by midgame, the Marlins are left to adjust on the fly.
Morel joined the Marlins in the offseason on a one-year, $2 million deal. At 26, he was set to take on first base duties, a new challenge for him in the majors. Previously, he showcased his adaptability with stints in all three outfield positions and across the infield during his time with the Cubs and Rays.
The Marlins are no strangers to injury woes. Just before the season kicked off, they lost outfielders Kyle Stowers and Esteury Ruiz to hamstring and oblique strains, respectively. Under the guidance of second-year manager Clayton McCullough, the team has emphasized defensive versatility, a philosophy that’s about to be tested.
Options for First Base
With Morel sidelined, the Marlins have a few routes to consider for filling the first base spot:
Connor Norby
Norby stepped into first base when Morel was scratched. Originally a third baseman, Norby has expanded his repertoire, gaining experience in the outfield and at first base during spring training. McCullough had mentioned pregame that Norby would see significant action at first, even before Morel’s injury came to light.
Jordan Hicks
Hicks has also shown his flexibility by playing 28 games at first base, proving reliable with a solid defensive performance. His experience could be crucial in maintaining stability in the lineup.
Deyvison De Los Santos
De Los Santos stands out as the only player on the 40-man roster whose natural position is first base. However, promoting him might not be the best move at this moment. While he improved his walk rate to 8.1% last year, his power hasn’t quite translated at sea level, as evidenced by a .363 slugging percentage in the International League.
If De Los Santos remains in Triple-A Jacksonville, the Marlins will need to call up another player to fill Morel's roster spot. This decision will be pivotal as they navigate the early challenges of the season.
The Marlins' depth and flexibility will be key as they adapt to these early setbacks. With a focus on versatility, they’ll look to keep their momentum going despite these initial hurdles.