The Miami Marlins could be without outfielder Starling Marte for a brief period after he reportedly broke his left pinkie finger Wednesday.
Marte was hit by a 92 mph fastball from Cubs reliever Dan Winkler during the Marlins’ 5-1 series-opening win in Chicago. He immediately left the game, and an X-ray revealed a non-displaced fracture, per multiple media outlets.
The 31-year-outfielder reportedly is considered day-to-day, and there is a possibility he could return for Game 2 on Thursday.
“‘Star’ has been hit three times on that hand since we acquired him (on Aug. 31 from the Arizona Diamondbacks),” Marlins manager Don Mattingly said. “And he got hit in the head the other day.
“He’s been like a target almost, but he’s been bouncing back from everything.”
The Marlins picked up Marte at the trade deadline, and he proceeded to hit .245 with four homers, 13 RBIs and five stolen bases in 28 games with the club. He finished with six homers and 27 RBIs in 61 games overall this season.
Before his injury, Marte was 2-for-4 with a double and a run against the Cubs.
Monte Harrison entered the game to replace Marte.
