Marlins' Kevin Defrank: Won't pitch in FCL this year
Rotowire
DeFrank (biceps) was placed on the minor-league 60-day injured list Thursday, and the 17-year-old won't pitch in the Florida Complex League this season as a result, Christina DeNicola of MLB.com reports.
The Marlins haven't yet ruled out DeFrank making a return late in the year and pitching for Single-A Jupiter. The right-hander generated some buzz this spring with an arsenal that featured a 100-mph fastball, but given his age and potential, the organization will likely proceed very cautiously with any arm injury for the 6-foot-5 prospect, and it wouldn't be a surprise if he were shut down for all of 2026.
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Marlins' Kevin Defrank: Out for foreseeable future
Rotowire
Defrank has no timetable for a return after suffering a right biceps injury, Christina De Nicola of MLB.com reports.
Defrank will not require surgery, so he's not necessarily out for the season, but he will be forced to miss substantial time. The 17-year-old was expected to pitch limited innings in the Florida Complex League this season, and it's unclear if he'll be able to pitch again in 2026.
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Marlins' Kevin Defrank: Wowing in camp this spring
Rotowire
Defrank has regularly hit 100 mph with his fastball this spring while showing a potentially plus changeup and the makings of a quality slider or sweeper, Sam Dykstra of MLB.com reports.
Still only 17 years old, Defrank has also impressed Marlins brass with his makeup and maturity. "I would say what excites me the most is how much he grew last year and how much I think we're going to see him grow again this year because of his discipline, his work ethic, and just the physicality that he gained," director of player development Rachel Balkovec said. "I think he's exploded onto the map." Given DeFrank's age, Miami will treat the right-hander with kid gloves in 2026 after he threw 31 innings in the Dominican Summer League last year, but he'll climb prospect lists quickly if he stays healthy and continues to refine his control and his arsenal.
