Miami Marlins left-handed reliever Andrew Nardi is reportedly undergoing left elbow surgery, a significant blow to the Marlins bullpen as the club faces uncertainty over his availability for the foreseeable future.
Miami Marlins left-handed reliever Andrew Nardi is reportedly set to undergo left elbow surgery with Dr. Keith Meister, ending his 2026 season and potentially sidelining him for most or all of the 2027 season.
Nardi returned to the Marlins in 2026 after missing the entire 2025 season because of recurring back trouble.
The 27-year-old had worked his way back into Miami’s bullpen during spring training, giving the organization hope that he could once again become a dependable left-handed option.
Instead, his comeback season was interrupted by a rib injury.
Nardi was placed on the injured list in late May after tests revealed a significant stress reaction in his left rib cage.
At the time, Marlins manager Clayton McCullough said Nardi was expected to miss roughly three months.
Nardi had explained that the discomfort had gradually worsened, even though it did not significantly affect him while actually pitching.
The injury came after Nardi had already made 25 appearances in 2026, posting a 5.16 ERA.
He was transferred to the 60-day injured list on June 1, with the Marlins later listing September as a possible return timeframe. By mid-July, Nardi had been cleared to resume throwing and was progressing through a throwing program.
Unfortunately, Nardi felt discomfort while going through his throwing program.
News of possible surgery would represent another complication in what has become a frustrating period for the reliever.
Nardi has struggled to stay healthy since emerging as an important piece of Miami’s bullpen.
His best season came in 2023, when Miami last qualified for the playoffs. Nardi went 8-1 with a 2.67 ERA in 63 appearances.
He struck out 73 hitters in 57 1/3 innings and recorded three saves, establishing himself as one of the Marlins’ more trusted relief options.
Nardi is not under contract for 2027, but the Marlins retain control of him through the arbitration process.
He is eligible for arbitration again this offseason.
The timing of the procedure could also have a significant impact on Miami’s plans for next season, particularly with the current CBA set to expire in December and a potential lockout looming.
If Nardi faces a lengthy recovery, which is certainly possible, the Marlins may need to search for additional left-handed relief help this offseason.
For Nardi, the focus will now shift toward recovering from another major setback and eventually returning to the mound.
After showing flashes of promise earlier in his career, the hope will be that he can regain the form that made him a part of Miami’s bullpen.
