By STEVEN WINE
AP Sports Writer
MIAMI (AP) – Miami Marlins ace Jose Fernandez says his target date to rejoin the rotation is July 2, some 13½ months after he underwent Tommy John surgery.
Fernandez, the NL Rookie of the Year in 2013, will make his third rehabilitation start Wednesday, this time with Triple-A New Orleans. He made two starts for Class A Jupiter.
The Marlins conclude a homestand July 2 when they face the San Francisco Giants.
Fernandez said Monday his velocity reached 99 mph in his most recent outing, and he’s happy with his slider. He said he just needs to get his pitch count up before returning to the majors.
The plan is for him to throw 80 pitches in his next start, and then 95 to 100 pitches in consecutive rehab outings.
Copyright 2015 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.