Jose Fernandez (elbow) expected to miss the rest of the season

The news is not good. In fact, it's horrible for one of the game's best young pitchers.

Per Juan C. Rodriguez of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel, the Miami Marlins believe that staff ace Jose Fernandez will need Tommy John surgery to repair a torn ligament in his right elbow.

If so, Fernandez would likely be out until June 2015.

Through eight starts, Fernandez has a 4-2 record with an MLB-high 70 strikeouts and a 2.44 ERA in 51 2/3 innings. Named the NL Rookie of the Year last season, Fernandez finished 12-6 with 187 strikeouts and a 2.19 ERA in 172 2/3 innings in 2013.

It's unclear who will take his spot in the rotation, but Kevin Slowey or Brad Hand could make a spot start in his place on Wednesday.

Marlins place Hanley Ramirez on disabled list

For the first time in his major league career, Marlins shortstop Hanley Ramirez has been placed on the 15-day disabled list (DL) with a back strain.

The move is retroactive to May 30th, which means Ramirez will be eligible to come off the DL on June 14th when the Marlins open up a four-game series against the Phillies.

"I think I feel better today, way better than yesterday and the day before," Ramirez said (via the Miami Herald). "Today is the first day where I feel like everything is coming along. My lower back is getting looser and my hip is better."

So, how soon will he be back on the field?

While Ramirez hopes it's as soon as possible, Marlins manager Edwin Rodriguez said, "Nobody knows, not even him."

The Marlins called up left-hander Brad Hand, who was 7-1 with an ERA of 3.53 in Double-A this year. Hand will start Tuesday's game.

Ramirez has struggled -- .210 batting average, four home runs, 17 runs batted in and 11 stolen bases in 48 games this season.