URGENT UPDATE: Miami Marlins third baseman Connor Norby is set to miss 6-8 weeks following wrist surgery to repair a fractured hamate bone. The procedure was performed on Wednesday by hand specialist Dr. Don Sheridan in Phoenix, the team confirmed today.
Norby, who experienced wrist soreness during a recent road series against Baltimore, initially reported symptoms as wrist inflammation. His recovery timeline places him out of action during a crucial stretch for the Marlins as they navigate the second half of the season.
Acquired from Baltimore last summer in a trade that also brought All-Star Kyle Stowers to Miami, Norby started his tenure strong, boasting a .247 batting average and a .315 on-base percentage with seven home runs over 36 games. However, his performance has fluctuated this season, with a .241 average, six home runs, and 26 RBIs in 72 games.
Manager Clayton McCullough expressed disappointment over Norby’s injury, stating, “Speaking with Connor in Baltimore, he felt like things were starting to come around. He felt better about himself in the box.” The unexpected setback leaves the Marlins searching for stability at third base.
In Norby’s absence, the Marlins are turning to Graham Pauley and Javier Sanoja. Pauley has already logged 23 games at third base this season, while Sanoja has appeared in nine games. Pauley started at third base against Kansas City as Miami kicked off a six-game homestand.
This injury comes on the heels of Norby’s earlier struggles, having missed the first two months of the season due to an oblique injury. As the Marlins push through a critical phase of the season, they will need to rely on their depth to fill the void left by Norby.
With the Marlins looking to make their mark in the standings, all eyes will be on Pauley and Sanoja as they step up in what is shaping into a pivotal moment for the team’s playoff aspirations.
