Update on Marlins’ Kyle Stowers, First Base Situation

MIAMI — First baseman/outfielder Kyle Stowers will be unavailable when the Miami Marlins open a three-game series Tuesday against the Pittsburgh Pirates at loanDepot park.

Stowers has been diagnosed with a Grade 1 left hamstring strain that will keep him out of the lineup for a "couple of weeks," Marlins manager Clayton McCullough said before first pitch.

McCullough met with a group of media members in the dugout.

It’s the second time this season Stowers has landed on the injured list with a hamstring injury.

Taking over for Stowers at first base will be Griffin Conine, who had a two-homer performance in Sunday’s 12-3 series-clinching win over the Los Angeles Angels.

“I played there a little bit, so it’s an option for sure,” Conine said in the clubhouse Sunday when asked whether moving him back to first base if Stowers is out long term is a possibility.

The Marlins discussed the possibility with Conine during the offseason, telling him they wanted him to get reps at first base while keeping the corner outfield as his primary position.

Conine made his first appearance at first base during spring training, a position that also has some family history.

Conine’s father Jeff was drafted as a first baseman and played the position more than any other during his 17-year major league career, winning two World Series with the Marlins. 

Conine has primarily been used in the corner outfield, but his ability to handle first base gives McCullough more flexibility with the lineup, allowing Owen Caissie and Esteury Ruiz to see more playing time in right field.

The Marlins have been gradually preparing Conine for the possibility of playing first base, allowing him to get more comfortable with the position while continuing to develop as an outfielder.

The experience could become more important with Stowers expected to miss multiple weeks and the Marlins currently three and a half games out of the final National League Wild Card spot at 60-59.

Conine will face one of MLB’s top pitchers Tuesday in Paul Skenes, who won the National League Cy Young Award in 2025.

For the Marlins, Conine’s versatility could prove valuable during a crucial stretch of the season.

With Stowers sidelined, his ability to play first base gives McCullough another lineup option while allowing the team to maintain its depth in the outfield as Miami continues its push for a playoff spot.

First pitch Tuesday is scheduled for 6:40 p.m. ET.