Former Miami Marlins outfielder Avisaíl Garcia has taken legal action against the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, alleging that physicians associated with the institution mishandled treatment of a serious back injury that derailed his professional baseball career. The lawsuit, filed in Miami-Dade County, represents a significant legal battle between the Venezuelan-born player and one of South Florida’s most prestigious medical institutions.
Details of the Lawsuit and Initial Injury
According to court documents filed on June 17, 2026, Garcia and his wife Anakarina Jaspe are seeking damages for what they describe as a pattern of medical negligence that occurred during the early portion of the 2023 MLB season. The 14-page complaint outlines a series of alleged failures by multiple physicians affiliated with the Miller School of Medicine who were responsible for treating the professional athlete.
The legal filing indicates that Garcia initially experienced pain in his left lumbar region along with tightening in his lower back and left glute area. This injury came after a challenging 2022 season during which the outfielder was limited to just 98 of a possible 162 games due to a lingering hamstring injury that significantly impacted his playing time.
According to the lawsuit, Garcia told doctors that the pain occurred “after hitting a double during a game, upon his return to the dugout, he had difficulty standing up from the pain.”
Timeline of Medical Treatment and Alleged Failures
The complaint details a troubling sequence of medical consultations and treatments that Garcia claims were inadequate and ultimately harmful to his condition. The timeline of events as outlined in the lawsuit includes:
- April 16, 2023: Initial examination by a UM Miller School of Medicine doctor and the Marlins team physician, resulting in a plan for anti-inflammatories as needed
- April 28, 2023: Reevaluation where Garcia complained of continued lower left back and superior glute pain
- MRI results revealing diffuse disc bulge, central to left subarticular disc protrusion with annular fissure, and mild spinal canal stenosis
- Alleged failure by a second doctor to report bilateral spondylolysis without listhesis and associated edema visible on the MRI
- Administration of two epidural injections over a 14-day period by a third physician
Following these treatments, the Miami Marlins placed Garcia on the 10-day injured list. During this period, the player underwent physical therapy under the supervision of the medical school’s doctors and trainers, hoping to return to the field as quickly as possible.
Rehabilitation Attempts and Discovery of Additional Damage
On May 27, 2023, Garcia attempted a rehabilitation assignment with the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp, the Marlins’ minor league affiliate. However, after a postgame workout on June 2, 2023, the outfielder noticed additional tightness in his lower back and experienced limited forward flexion, suggesting his condition had not improved.
A second MRI performed on June 4, 2023, by a fourth Miller School of Medicine doctor revealed alarming new findings: a bilateral L5 pars interarticularis defect and a new L2-L3 central/subarticular disc herniation that was compressing the descending left L3 nerve root. This fourth physician recommended a CT scan of the lumbar spine to better evaluate the pars defect.
The lawsuit alleges that on June 5, 2023, the initial treating doctor failed to properly address or acknowledge the pars defect, which Garcia’s legal team claims was the actual source of his symptoms and physical limitations. Furthermore, the complaint asserts that this doctor failed to communicate these critical findings to Garcia or request the recommended CT scan of the lumbar spine as suggested by his colleague.
Continued Treatment Without Proper Care
According to the legal filing, Garcia continued to receive additional injections and physical therapy under the direction of Miller School of Medicine physicians and trainers. However, the lawsuit claims this treatment was provided without proper bracing, adequate rest periods, or appropriate therapeutic modalities that would have been standard care for his diagnosed conditions.
The case highlights the complex relationship between professional sports teams, their medical staffs, and affiliated academic medical institutions. For many athletes, trusting team physicians with their health and career is essential, making allegations of medical negligence particularly significant in the sports world.
As of the filing date in July 2026, the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine has not publicly commented on the pending litigation. The case will proceed through the Miami-Dade County court system, where both parties will have the opportunity to present evidence supporting their positions regarding the standard of care provided to the former MLB player.
