Connor Norby, the Miami Marlins’ third baseman, will be out of action for several weeks following wrist surgery. On Wednesday, Dr. Don Sheridan, a hand specialist from Phoenix, operated to fix a fractured hamate bone in Norby’s left wrist, with an expected recovery period of 6-8 weeks. Norby first felt wrist pain during Miami’s road series in Baltimore last week and was initially diagnosed with wrist inflammation.
Norby was acquired by the Marlins from Baltimore last summer in the trade that brought All-Star Kyle Stowers to Miami. Despite the slow start to his time with Miami, Norby has shown promise, batting .247 with a .315 on-base percentage and hitting seven home runs over 36 games. He missed the first two months of the season due to an oblique injury.
Manager Clayton McCullough noted that when he spoke with Norby in Baltimore, he felt like he was starting to make progress both offensively and defensively, but the wrist pain held him back and was a source of frustration. In Norby’s absence, the Marlins will rely on Graham Pauley and Javier Sanoja, who have played 23 and 9 games respectively this season. Pauley made his third start on Friday against Kansas City as Miami began a six-game homestand to kick off the second half of the season.
Fan Take: This injury is a tough blow for the Marlins as Norby has been an important part of their lineup and defense. Baseball fans should watch how the team adapts in his absence, as it could impact Miami’s performance and reveal the depth of their roster moving forward.
