Marlins Activate Kyle Stowers Sunday, Ending 3-Week IL Stint

The Miami Marlins will activate Kyle Stowers from the 10-day injured list before Sunday’s game against the Milwaukee Brewers. Manager Clayton McCullough confirmed the move to reporters, including Kevin Barral of Fish On First, and noted that Stowers is already at loanDepot Park and will receive one final day of rest before making his 2026 season debut.

Stowers missed the start of the season due to a Grade 1 hamstring strain that he suffered in the final Grapefruit League game of Spring Training. The injury forced him onto the IL, with an initial recovery timeline of 3-4 weeks. Now returning on the higher end of that estimate, Stowers will be back in the lineup just in time for a key matchup with the Brewers.

Stowers rehabbed at Triple-A Jacksonville, where he played five games in total. He spent three games in his usual left field position, one at designated hitter, and one at first base. This marked his first professional game at first base, though he had prior experience at the position in college and summer ball.

McCullough has hinted that the Marlins may use Stowers at first base in the future. “We might get some prep work in just in case we decide to incorporate him into the first base mix at the MLB level,” McCullough said. The team has struggled with consistency at first base, especially with Christopher Morel sidelined by an oblique strain.

Despite the injuries, the Marlins’ offense has remained productive. Xavier Edwards, Otto Lopez, Liam Hicks, and Connor Norby have all started the season strong, helping to fill the void in the lineup. Stowers’ return will give the team a much-needed boost at the plate and in the field.

Stowers made a strong impression in his breakout 2025 season, hitting .288/.368/.544 with 25 home runs in 457 plate appearances. He generated 4.0 fWAR over 117 games. This will be his first MLB game since August 15, 2025, when his season was cut short by another oblique strain.

Graham Pauley left Saturday’s game due to oblique discomfort and is not in today’s starting lineup. McCullough told reporters that Pauley is expected “to be available today for whatever is needed.” The corresponding move for Stowers has not yet been announced.

The Marlins will take on the Brewers in a pivotal game at loanDepot Park on Sunday. Stowers’ return could prove crucial as the team looks to build momentum early in the season.