Kevin Slowey injury: Marlins starter leaves start with left lat strain

The Miami pitcher is currently considered day-to-day.

By Connor Moylan May 22, 2013, 10:08pm EDT

Miami Marlins starter Kevin Slowey left his start against the Philadelphia Phillies on Wednesday with a left lat strain, and is currently considered day-to-day.

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Slowey pitched well in the first five innings, allowing six runs on one hit with six strikeouts. The right-hander warmed up before the sixth inning, but motioned towards the dugout before facing a batter. Marlins manager Mike Redmond spoke with the umpires before removing Slowey from the game, replacing the starter with Wade LeBlanc.

Slowey has been one of the few bright spots for the Marlins this season, as the former Minnesota Twins starting pitcher has had a surprising amount of success this season. The 29-year-old is only 1-4, but has a 3.30 ERA in 10 starts for Miami this season.

The starter has battled numerous injury issues in the past. Slowey missed most of 2012 with a stress fracture in his rib cage, only starting eight games for the Cleveland Indians Triple-A team. He also spent time on the disabled list in 2011 with a shoulder strain, and in 2009 with a right wrist injury.

LeBlanc could start in place of Slowey if Slowey needs to skip a start. LeBlanc started the season in the rotation, but posted a 6.11 ERA in seven starts. Tom Koehler replaced LeBlanc in the rotation.