Results of an MRI show that the 2013 National League Rookie of the Year has a tear in the ulnar collateral ligament of his pitching arm, according to Heyman. Surgeon Neal ElAttrache recommends surgery, but the young Marlins right-hander will be examined by team doctor Lee Kaplan before a decision is made.
"It's possible team personnel may be holding out small hope Fernandez can avoid the ligament-replacement surgery, which would cost the young star the rest of this season and the beginning of next," Heyman writes.
Fernandez, 21, is 4-2 with a 2.44 ERA and a league-leading 70 strikeouts in eight starts this year.
