MIAMI -- It may be too late for the 32-46 Miami Marlins to get into the playoff race this year, but Jose Fernandez's return bodes well for the franchise's future.
Fernandez's pitching line wasn't overly impressive in Thursday's 5-4 win over the San Francisco Giants. He allowed seven hits and three runs in six innings.
But look closer, and there are several positive signs for the Marlins to take away, especially considering Fernandez hadn't pitched in the majors in nearly 14 months following Tommy John elbow surgery:
His velocity was outstanding, reaching as high as 99 mph.
His breaking pitches were effective. "He threw some good sliders at times," Marlins catcher Jeff Mathis said. "His changeup was pretty good, too." Opposing pitcher Matt Cain also noted that Fernandez's slider was sharp.
Fernandez walked no batters, impressive control after a long layoff.
After a nervous start -- the first two batters got hits, leading to a two-run, 21-pitch first inning -- Fernandez settled down. He allowed just one run in his final five innings. Fernandez said he almost shed a tear because he was so emotional to start the game.
Fernandez retired the final six batters he faced in order -- four groundouts, one lineout and a strikeout. "It was really fun to watch him go through the second through sixth [innings]," Marlins manager Dan Jennings said.
Perhaps the best thing about Fernandez is his charisma, that indescribable "it" factor, and it surfaced again in the fifth inning.
With the Marlins trailing 3-1, Fernandez slugged a home run to left field, the second of his brief career.
"That home run got everyone pumped up," Marlins first baseman Justin Bour said.
Bour should know -- he followed with a three-run, game-winning homer later in the inning.
Jennings said he and his staff have talked about using Fernandez as a pinch hitter in certain situations.
"He's such a good hitter," Jennings said. "It's good to see him get the barrel head out and drive the ball the way he's capable."
Of course, pitching is Fernandez's main talent.
Marlins infielder Miguel Rojas, who had three hits on Thursday, compared Fernandez to the Dodgers' ace. And while that may be blasphemy in Los Angeles, it's how many people see things in Miami.
"He's our Clayton Kershaw," Rojas said. "If [Fernandez is] healthy, he's MVP caliber."
That was certainly true in 2013, when Fernandez won the Rookie of the Year award and finished third in Cy Young voting, going 12-6 with a 2.19 ERA while pitching for a bad Marlins team that finished 62-100.
The thing about Fernandez is that he gives the Marlins hope -- or better yet, the expectation -- of a victory every time he pitches.
That's especially true at Marlins Park, where Fernandez is 13-0 with a 1.23 ERA in 21 career starts.
Jennings said Fernandez was being "too fine" early on in Thursday's game. But now that the nerves are gone, adding Fernandez to the team is a huge boost.
"We couldn't make a trade and get a guy with his ability," Jennings said. "He is a true No. 1, and that type of pitcher can affect three days.
"The day before he pitches, you can empty your bullpen. The day he pitches, you hope he gives you eight or nine innings. And the day after, your bullpen should be rested."
Jennings said Fernandez's arm strength is 100 percent, and his next turn will come up on July 9 at home against the Cincinnati Reds.
"Right now, I wish I could pitch tomorrow," Fernandez said when asked how his arm felt after the game. "But I'm really patient now after waiting 14 months. I think seven days will pass by fine."
