Miami Marlins third base prospect Graham Pauley has been shut down with right forearm tightness, putting his bid for the starting job on hold. The 25-year-old left-handed hitter underwent an MRI on Monday morning and will be sidelined pending results, according to manager Clayton McCullough.

Pauley was competing with Connor Norby for the starting third base position but hasn't appeared in any spring training games due to persistent forearm soreness. The discomfort is in his throwing arm, which could impact his defensive capabilities at the hot corner. Pauley hit .224 with four home runs in 161 at-bats during his rookie season in 2025.

The Marlins' coaching staff noted that some spring training discomfort is common, but Pauley's condition didn't improve over several days. McCullough emphasized the need to get a clearer picture of the injury before allowing Pauley to resume baseball activities, potentially affecting the team's infield plans heading into the regular season.