Up to yesterday, the injuries so far this spring have been minor.  However, the Miami Marlins suffered a substantial blow yesterday when they lost catcher Jeff Mathis.  Mathis suffered a broken collar bone and will miss the next six weeks.

According to an Associated Press report, the injury came when Matt Holliday fouled a pitch back and hit Mathis.  Mathis will likely be replaced by Rob Brantly during his absence.  The Marlins will explore their other options at catcher throughout the spring.


Mathis is a veteran, and the loss for even a small period of time, will be a big deal.  Miami can ill-afford to be hit with injuries to their starters.  The team is hardly a viable candidate for the Major Leagues as it is.  If they start replacing injured players, the Marlins could quickly find themselves as a laughing stock.

On the flip side, Mathis' injury can expose some young talent.  At times, an injury will open the door to a player who otherwise would not have received as much playing time.  Since Mathis' injury happened during the spring, the chances for some of the Marlins' young players to shine is much greater.
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