The Miami Marlins optioned left-hander Braxton Garrett to Triple-A Jacksonville, clearing the way for right-hander Janson Junk to claim the team's fifth starter role. Garrett, 28, had been recovering from Tommy John surgery that sidelined him for the entire 2025 season. The decision comes after a spring training competition between the two pitchers for the final rotation spot.

Garrett returns with a 16-19 record and 4.03 ERA across 65 career games for Miami. Junk, 30, earned the opportunity with a 6-4 record and 4.17 ERA in 21 appearances last season, including 16 starts. Manager Clayton McCullough indicated Garrett will continue building arm strength with Jacksonville while remaining in the organization's plans.

The Marlins' rotation now projects to feature Sandy Alcantara, Eury Pérez, Max Meyer, Chris Paddack, and Junk. McCullough emphasized that Garrett's absence is temporary, expecting him to rejoin the major league staff at some point during the 2026 season as he regains full strength.