Ekness (3-4) earned the win after walking one and striking out two over a hitless and scoreless inning in Tuesday's 8-2 extra-innings victory over the Cubs.
Ekness handled the bottom of the 11th inning with the game still tied 2-2, working around a two-out walk to keep Chicago off the board. Miami then erupted for six runs in the top of the 12th, putting Ekness in position for his third victory. The right-hander lowered his ERA to 3.54 with this scoreless appearance, and he's ending the season on a strong note, not allowing a run in his last five appearances.
... See More... See Less
Marlins' Josh Ekness: Activated from injured list
Rotowire
The Marlins activated Ekness (calf) from the 60-day injured list Tuesday, Kevin Barral of FishonFirst.com reports.
Ekness has been shelved since mid-May with a right calf strain, but he looked ready to roll in six rehab appearances, allowing just one run with a 12:0 K:BB in 8.1 innings. The 24-year-old was thrown right into high-leverage situations with the Marlins back in May, and he should return to a setup role.
... See More... See Less
Marlins' Josh Ekness: Ready for rehab assignment
Rotowire
Ekness (calf) will begin a rehab assignment with Triple-A Jacksonville on Thursday, Kevin Barral of FishonFirst.com reports.
Ekness has been on the shelf since June 1 due to a right calf injury, which was severe enough for him to shift to the 60-day injured list three weeks later. He's progressed enough in his recovery to start a rehab assignment, and given the length of his IL stint, he'll likely need at least a few minor-league games under his belt before he's cleared to return to the Marlins.
Marlins manager Clayton McCullough said Monday that Ekness is expected to miss approximately six weeks due to a right calf strain, Kyle Sielaff of Marlins.tv reports.
After Ekness was spotted moving around in the Miami clubhouse with the aid of crutches following Sunday's loss to the Mets, the Marlins placed him on the 15-day injured list a day later. Ekness was recalled from Triple-A Jacksonville on Friday but didn't make any relief appearances during his second stint of the season with the big club. Given the estimated six-week recovery timeline, Ekness will remain on the shelf through the All-Star break.
... See More... See Less
Marlins' Josh Ekness: Earns first career save Sunday
Rotowire
Ekness retired the only batter he faced to earn a one-out save in Sunday's 5-2 win over the Nationals.
The Marlins have been playing matchups in the ninth inning during Pete Fairbanks' (hand) absence, and Sunday was Ekness' turn. He entered to face righty Curtis Mead with two outs and a runner on first base and earned his first career save on just three pitches. The 24-year-old made his major-league debut May 3, and he's now held opponents scoreless in three of four appearances while posting a 2:1 K:BB across 3.1 innings with Miami.
