Players To Watch: Diamondbacks Vs. Marlins

José Fernández

Jul 9, 2015; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Marlins starting pitcher

(16) delivers a pitch against the Cincinnati Reds during the third inning at Marlins Park. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

Outside of players from my favorite team, I can’t recall the last time I was as excited for a player’s return as I was for José Fernández’. Certainly one of the best pitchers in the game, the 22-year-old right-hander is also one of the most exciting.

Fernández regularly brings the heat, but his most devastating pitch is his slider. He routinely uses it to dispose of right-handed batters, as the pitch looks like it’s coming right into the hitters wheelhouse and then breaks a full foot off the plate. He can also use it with effectiveness against left-handers, breaking the pitch towards the hitters’ back foot.

He struck out an unreal 12.2 batters per 9 innings last season (he currently sits at 9.9/9 this season) and has never lost a start at home. Luckily for the Diamondbacks, they’ll be facing him within the confines of Chase Field.

Fernández has only faced the Diamondbacks once in his career, and it happened to be at Chase Field. He gave up two runs and took the loss.

With their other stars out, Fernández is easily the most exhilarating player on the roster (and he probably is even when everyone is healthy). The Diamondbacks will need to be at their best to take out the Marlins ace.