Knife ‘Prank’ Leaves Marlins’ Garrett On DL

In an incident described as a prank gone bad, Marlins’ No. 4 prospect Stone Garrett ended up with three stitches in his right hand after he was cut with a knife held by Josh Naylor, the organization’s No. 2 prospect.

Marlins president of baseball operations Michael Hill told the South Florida Sun-Sentinel Naylor inflicted the injury at an apartment the two players share in Greensboro, N.C., where they play for the low Class A affiliate.

Hill insisted there was no fight, but simply an ill-fated prank.

“Naylor has a reputation of being a bit of a prankster, but this one obviously went a little too far,” Hill told the newspaper. “Obviously, he’s torn up about it. This is a good friend, his roommate. They came into pro ball together, so they’re good friends.”

Hill said Garrett will fly to Miami to have his hand evaluated.

“Hopefully it’ll just be a short term and (Garrett) can get back healthy and return to form and continue on his career,” Hill told the newspaper.

Naylor was the 12th overall pick a year ago, and is showing the power the Marlins hoped for when they popped him that high. Garrett, a toolsy outfielder who’s still somewhat raw, was slowed by an injury out of camp but slugged .490 in May.

“I don’t think you’ll see Josh Naylor goofing around with knives any more. Other pranks were just pranks and nobody got hurt,” Hill said. “Unfortunately, this one ended in an injury, which isn’t funny at all.”