PALMS PLACE MARKAKIS ON 60-DAY IL, SUMMON MIRANDA FROM JACKSON

By Vin Castillo

TORONTO — The Miami Palms were dealt a significant blow to the heart of their lineup Saturday night, announcing that All-Star outfielder Nick Markakis has been placed on the 60-day injured list.

Markakis, Miami’s most consistent and productive position player through the season’s first two months, will be sidelined until at least late July, removing a stabilizing presence from both the top of the order and the outfield.

To fill the roster spot, the Palms selected the contract of Emilio Miranda from Triple-A Jackson. The 24-year-old left-handed hitter from the Dominican Republic will wear uniform No. 1 and joins the club ahead of Sunday’s game in Toronto.

Losing Markakis is not merely a matter of replacing innings or at-bats. He entered the weekend leading the club in average and extra-base hits, serving as the connective tissue between Miami’s on-base threats and its middle-of-the-order power.

“That’s a tough one,” manager Scott Hatteberg said. “Nick sets a tone every night — preparation, professionalism, quality at-bats. You don’t replace that with one move.”

Miranda arrives with momentum of his own. At Jackson, he had been one of the Rebels’ most reliable everyday players, offering line-drive contact, speed, and defensive flexibility across all three outfield spots. While he lacks Markakis’ veteran presence, the Palms believe Miranda’s energy and athleticism can help soften the loss.

“He plays fast,” Hatteberg said. “He runs well, he defends, and he puts the ball in play. That matters, especially when you’re asking a young player to step into a bigger moment.”

With Jason Roeder remaining healthy and on the active roster, Miami will lean on a mix of youth and versatility to navigate the coming weeks. Still, there’s no disguising the reality: the Palms will be without their offensive compass for a meaningful stretch.

Markakis will continue his rehab under the club’s medical staff, with an eye toward a return later in the summer. Until then, Miami turns the page — and hands Emilio Miranda a chance to write his own first chapter in the majors.

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