Did Marlins' Kyle Stowers return in time to make difference? originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Miami Marlins' Kyle Stowers wanted to be aggressive.
In his first at-bat of the season Sunday, the 2025 NL All-Star swung at Jacob Misiorowski's first offering, 101-mph four-seam fastball. Activated from the 10-day injured list, Stowers recovered from a right hamstring strain and looked to make a difference early, swinging at five -- and fouling off four -- of the Milwaukee Brewers starter's first six pitches.
On the eighth pitch, Stowers started to swing at another 101 mph pitch, but failed to check up in time, leaving his right hand exposed.
Exiting after Agustin Ramirez grounded into a double play, Stowers visited with the team's medical staff, sparking additional internal concerns.
Will Stowers, who connected on 25 home runs in 2025, remain healthy enough to make a difference this season?
Marlins manager Clayton McCullough on Sunday wasted little time inserting Stowers in the cleanup role. The Marlins needed a spark. They entered the series finale against the Milwaukee Brewers with one win in their past seven games. The offense produced just three runs while getting swept by the Detroit Tigers on April 10-12.
Stowers initially pulled his hamstring during spring training and attempted an aggressive rehabilitation program, which led to a re-aggravation of the injury just before Opening Day. After slashing .288/.368/.544 last season, McCullough expected Stowers to stabilize the outfield situation, joining Jacob Marsee and Owen Caissie. Left fielder Esteury Ruiz remains on the 10-day IL.
When Stowers re-emerged from the dugout tunnel, healthy enough to continue Sunday, many of the Marlins' internal concerns could have been lifted. Stowers didn't miss any more time and doubled in the fifth inning and singled in the seventh.
With the Marlins (10-12) opening a series against the St. Louis Cardinals at loanDepot park, Stowers should be in a position to start making a difference.