JUPITER, Fla. -- Miami Marlins catcher Jeff Mathis has broken his right collarbone in the team's spring training opener and is expected to be out six weeks.
Mathis was injured in the fourth inning Saturday when he was hit by a foul ball off the bat of St. Louis Cardinals slugger Matt Holliday. After Holliday walked, Mathis was replaced by Kyle Skipworth.
Marlins rookie manager Mike Redmond says it's a big blow to the club because Miami doesn't have a lot of depth behind the plate.
Mathis, projected to be the backup to starter Rob Brantly this season, singled in two at-bats during Miami's 8-3 victory.
