Miami Marlins' Star Slugger Injured in Return from IL

Franchise's bad luck continues as Kyle Stowers takes 102 mph fastball off his hand in first game back.

Apr. 19, 2026 at 10:20pm

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A fractured, geometric painting showing a baseball player being struck by a pitch, the impact broken down into sharp, overlapping planes of color and form.A cubist depiction of the unfortunate moment a Miami Marlins star player is struck by a high-velocity pitch, capturing the jarring impact and the team's ongoing struggles.Today in Miami

The Miami Marlins' star outfielder Kyle Stowers was immediately injured in his first game back from the injured list, taking a 102 mph fastball off his hand. This latest setback has further fueled the perception that the struggling franchise is cursed, as the team has endured numerous injuries and misfortunes over the years.

Why it matters

The Marlins have long been considered one of the most snake-bitten franchises in Major League Baseball, with a history of fire sales, poor attendance, and bad luck. Stowers' injury upon his return from the IL is the latest example of the team's inability to catch a break, dashing hopes that they could build on a promising start to the season.

The details

In his first plate appearance after being activated from the injured list, Stowers was hit by a 102 mph fastball on the hand, causing immediate concern about another long-term injury. While Stowers was able to return to the game and even record a double, the incident has further fueled the perception that the Marlins are a cursed franchise, unable to catch a break even when things seem to be going well.

  • Stowers was activated from the injured list and made his return on April 19, 2026.
  • In his first plate appearance back, Stowers was hit by a 102 mph fastball on the hand.

The players

Kyle Stowers

The Marlins' star outfielder and one of the team's best hitters, who was recently activated from the injured list.

Clayton McCullough

The embattled manager of the Miami Marlins.

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What they’re saying

“Nothing like taking 102 off the pinky to welcome you back to the Majors, huh kid?”

— Austin Perry, Sports Writer

“Not many people know the torture that is being a Marlins fan, but I can assure you, nothing in life prepares you for it.”

— Austin Perry, Sports Writer

What’s next

The Marlins will monitor Stowers' injury and hope he can return to the lineup without further setbacks. The team will also need to find a way to bounce back from their recent losing streak and regain their early-season form.

The takeaway

The Marlins' latest misfortune with Stowers' injury is just the latest example of the franchise's long-standing curse, which has made it incredibly difficult for the team to build sustained success. This incident has further eroded the faith of Marlins fans, who have grown accustomed to disappointment and are left wondering when the team's fortunes will finally turn around.