Marlins Option Garrett to Triple-A, Junk Wins Fifth Starter Role
Braxton Garrett's 6.75 ERA and 3:3 K:BB over four spring innings sealed his fate: the 28-year-old was optioned to Triple-A Jacksonville, handing Janson Junk Miami's fifth starter job.
After missing the entire 2025 season recovering from elbow surgery, Braxton Garrett's spring audition fell short. The Miami Marlins optioned the 28-year-old left-hander to Triple-A Jacksonville on March 20, with Janson Junk claiming the fifth starter's spot in Miami's Opening Day rotation.
Garrett's spring numbers offered little argument for keeping him on the big-league roster. In four innings this spring, he posted a 6.75 ERA while striking out and walking three batters apiece, a 3:3 K:BB that reflects the rust and caution surrounding a pitcher working through the final stages of elbow surgery recovery. The Marlins had weighed two paths before arriving at Thursday's decision: send Garrett to Jacksonville outright, or place him on the injured list and begin a formal rehab assignment. They chose the option, and Junk inherited the rotation spot.
Earlier this spring, there had been genuine optimism surrounding Garrett's health. He was cleared for the start of camp, reportedly touched 95 mph in live batting practice, and was considered a full-go heading into spring competition. A sharp outing on one Sunday in March briefly reinforced that trajectory. But four innings of game action at a 6.75 ERA, combined with the organization's stated desire to be cautious with his recovery, ultimately tipped the scales.
Junk will now hold the fifth rotation spot until the Marlins determine Garrett is ready to return. No timeline for that return has been established, and it remains unclear whether Garrett will begin a formal rehab assignment during his time with Jacksonville or work his way back on a standard minor-league schedule.
The move will alter Triple-A Jacksonville's depth chart, though the Marlins have not announced specific corresponding roster adjustments at the affiliate level. For a Jacksonville pitching staff now receiving a 28-year-old southpaw with a full season of professional experience, the organizational ripple effects will come into sharper focus once the Marlins reveal how they plan to deploy Garrett there.
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