Miami Marlins' Jose Fernandez expected to be placed on DL

Jose Fernandez has only made seven starts for the Marlins this season and he might not make another in 2015. Fernandez flew back to Miami with an apparent shoulder injury after his start against the Braves on Friday night and is out with a right biceps strain, the team announced on Sunday.

Although Fernandez is expected to be placed on the 15-day disabled list, he is not out with a notable injury that would require surgery. It is possible he could pitch again after an MRI did not reveal any structural damage, according to Clark Spencer of The Miami Herald.

Fernandez, 23, returned from Tommy John surgery in July but complained of stiffness in his shoulder after throwing 76 pitches against the Braves on Friday, Spencer adds.

Since Fernandez has returned, the organization has carefully monitored him throughout each outing. He threw 112 pitches against the Padres last Sunday and tossed 38 of his 76 pitches against the Braves in the fourth inning. The Marlins are in last place in the National League East and as a result have no reason to rush him back.

Over 43.0 innings with Miami this season, Fernandez has posted a 2.30 ERA and 1.71 FIP.

The Marlins are expected to recall lefty Justin Nicolino from Triple-A New Orleans to take Fernandez's spot in the rotation, according to MLB.com's Joe Frisaro. Nicolino, 23, has posted a 4.09 ERA over 11.0 innings with the Marlins this season.