Graham Pauley has been shut down with forearm tightness, forcing the Miami Marlins to reassess their third-base competition heading into Opening Day.
The Miami Marlins may face their first major spring challenge at the position where they can least tolerate doubt.
According to MLB.com, manager Clayton McCullough said Graham Pauley has been shut down from all baseball activities due to forearm tightness. Imaging is scheduled to determine the problem. The organization expects answers in the coming days, but a wait-and-see reaction is always unsettling for forearms.
For Pauley, this goes beyond camp safety. Spring training gave the 25-year-old a chance to become Miami's starting third baseman. Instead of playing third base, he's getting medical exams.
Competition dynamics change immediately.
In 184 MLB plate appearances last season, Pauley hit .224/.311/.366, but those numbers don't tell the whole story. With a 11.4-percent walk rate, he controlled the strike zone, played well defensively, and hit .263/.342/.511 with eight home runs in 37 Triple-A games, suggesting he could produce more offensively.
Pauley was a budget-friendly, defense-oriented option with offensive upside. He's not the most flashy player, but Miami likes reliable players with room to grow.
However, forearm tightness is crucial in the current sport. Spring training without repetitions is important even if imaging shows no structural issues. Timing matters. Landing a position while out of the game is nearly impossible.
Thus begins the chain reaction.
If Pauley is out for a while, Connor Norby will be under close watch.
Norby has impressive raw power and a solid Triple-A track record with a .296/.371/.502 line over 1,155 plate appearances, but his major-league performance has been inconsistent. A .245/.298/.407 line in 531 MLB plate appearances shows that while the bat speed is there, the approach is inconsistent. He trails Pauley in defense.
Skill and performance were becoming the focus of this contest. Norby may be relinquishing the position, at least temporarily.
The depth behind them quickly decreases. Christopher Morel moves to first base. Deyvison De Los Santos played third base, but his skills suggest he could play elsewhere. Though his offensive contributions are lacking, Javier Sanoja's glove versatility is impressive.
If imaging shows more than mild inflammation, Miami may look to the free-agent market for a quick fix.
At this point, the story is about internal dynamics. Will Pauley miss this chance before the season?
Spring training unfolds gradually. However, a forearm check can instantly change the mood.
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