The Miami Marlins lost another big bat on Sunday when Marcell Ozuna went down with a season-ending right ankle sprain.
Ozuna did not slide while approaching second base with a double and twisted his ankle awkwardly as he tried to step on the bag. The center-fielder crumbled to the ground and appeared to be unable to put any weight on his leg. With help from the training staff, Ozuna exited the field.
After leaving the game, Ozuna was sent for x-rays on the ankle which came back negative. It was good news but the sprain itself will keep Ozuna out for the last seven games. The 23-year old was seen with crutches and a walking boot following the injury.
This is the second straight season that Ozuna will end while injured. Last year, Ozuna's year came to an end on July 23rd. On an attempted catch in the outfield at Coors Field, Ozuna sustained a left thumb ligament tear and ended up having surgery. He was actually optioned to AA prior to the injury being diagnosed but likely would've returned later in the season if healthy.
2014 was a breakout season for Ozuna who settled in nicely in the middle of Miami's lineup. Ozuna finished with a slashline of .269/.317/.455 to go along with 23 home runs and 85 runs batted in. Also of note were 26 doubles and five triples in addition to his excellent defense in the vast outfield at Marlins Park.
Going into 2015, Ozuna could find himself getting a promotion in the lineup. It is possible that he will slide into the four-spot and hit behind Giancarlo Stanton. That slot was held by Casey McGehee for the majority of this season. McGehee had a lackluster second half which could ultimately lead to the change.
Ozuna is under team control until 2020 and is not arbitration eligible until the 2016 season. He is a candidate to be bought out by Miami as well.
