Marlins All-Star Kyle Stowers is set to make his spring training return Saturday against the Cardinals after recovering from a mild hamstring strain.
The Miami Marlins are expected to welcome one of their most important batters back into the lineup this weekend.
Outfielder Kyle Stowers is scheduled to make his return to Grapefruit League action on Saturday against the St. Louis Cardinals after missing time with a mild right hamstring strain, according to MLB.com’s Christina De Nicola.
For Miami, the timing couldn’t be better as the club continues to ramp up preparations for Opening Day.
Stowers has been sidelined since late February after imaging revealed what manager Clayton McCullough described as a “very minor" hamstring strain. The 28-year-old was scratched from the lineup shortly before a Grapefruit League game against the Cardinals, prompting the Marlins to take a cautious approach with one of their most valuable hitters.
Early signs pointed to a short recovery window, with the organization initially projecting a one- to two-week timeline for his return. That forecast now appears to be accurate.
Instead of easing him back slowly, the Marlins plan to deploy Stowers directly in the outfield on Saturday. That decision signals confidence from the medical staff that the injury has fully healed and the All-Star outfielder can handle defensive work without restrictions.
The Marlins will be counting heavily on Stowers again in 2026 following his breakout campaign last season.
Stowers emerged as one of the club’s most productive hitters in 2025, slashing .288/.368/.544 with 25 home runs, 21 doubles, three triples, and 73 RBI in 117 games. He also established himself defensively, finishing as a National League Gold Glove finalist in left field.
His season ended prematurely, however, when an oblique injury in August cut short what had been a career year. A setback during his rehab prevented him from returning before the end of the season.
Because of that history, the Marlins have been especially careful with any physical issues this spring.
Stowers’ expected return to live Grapefruit League action suggests the Marlins believe he remains firmly on track for Opening Day.
The club has given extended opportunities this spring to several young outfielders, including Matthew Etzel, Andrew Pintar, Brendan Jones, Dillon Lewis, and Kemp Alderman, but Stowers still projects to anchor the heart of Miami’s lineup.
If Saturday’s appearance goes smoothly, it will mark another step toward a fully healthy start to the season for one of the Marlins’ most important offensive weapons.
For Miami, getting Stowers back on the field is more than just a spring milestone -- it’s a reminder of how central he could be to the team’s hopes in 2026.
Join our ROUNDTABLE community! It's completely free to join. Share your thoughts, engage with our Roundtable writers, and chat with fellow members.
Download the free Roundtable APP, and stay even more connected!