Starling Marte fractures hand in game against Cubs

Pro: the Marlins have won their first playoff game since 2003. Con: they lost Starling Marte in the process after the veteran was hit by a pitch during the ninth inning of tonight’s game.

What was initially reported as contusion, ESPN’s Jeff Passan has confirmed is a fractured hand. Despite this, Marte may still attempt to play anyway.

A last minute deal, Marte was acquired by the Marlins from the Arizona Diamondbacks at this year‘s deadline. In exchange, Arizona received left-handed veteran Caleb Smith, as well as prospects Humberto Mejia and Julio Frias.

The soon to be 32-year old (Libra SZN ayyy) has had quite the year, slashing .281/.340/.430 with six homers and ten stolen bases for the season. While his numbers dipped in Miami, with him hitting .245/.286/.415 during his time on the Marlins, it’s important to take into account the smaller sample pool.

If Marte’s plans of continuing to play with the pain fall through, the Marlins have two options: Monte Harrison or Magneuris Sierra, the latter having a better offensive turnout.

Marte has another year left on his contract that totals to a $12.5M club option. The second option is the Marlins buying out that club option for a cool million, but let’s get to the next postseason game before we start talking big offseason what-ifs.