This was just about as good a debut as anyone could have expected out of Weathers against this talented Cubs’ lineup. Their only run was a solo home run by Seiya Suzuki and Weathers had practically no stressful moments. He showed the same increased velocity – average of 97 mph, topping out at 99 mph – that generated so much buzz during spring training plus his solid sweeper and changeup. He will try to build on this start next time out, which is scheduled to come against these same Cubs.

Weathers will make his season debut on Wednesday night against the Cubs at Wrigley Field after missing the opening six weeks of the year with a forearm strain. The 25-year-old southpaw put together a breakout campaign last year, recording a sparkling 3.63 ERA and 21.8 percent strikeout rate across 86 2/3 innings (16 starts). He should be rostered in all fantasy formats, especially since he looked extremely sharp in recent minor league rehab outings.

It’s unclear who, if anyone, will get bumped from the Marlins’ rotation to accommodate Weathers’ return. The 25-year-old southpaw registered a 1.69 ERA, 0.75 WHIP with 13 strikeouts over 10 2/3 innings through three minor league rehab assignments at Triple-A Jacksonville. He threw just 57 pitches in his latest outing though, so don’t anticipate him working deep into the game on Wednesday against the Cubs.

He allowed two hits, walked none and struck out three in the breezy 57-pitch outing. It’s possible he’ll get one more rehab start first, but he’s very close to returning from the forearm strain that’s had him on the shelf since the spring.