Marlins' Fernandez not expected to return from Tommy John until June-July

The Miami Marlins are hoping to compete in 2015, but they'll have to do so without ace Jose Fernandez for the first few months of the season. 

Speaking with Jim Bowden of ESPN, Marlins president of baseball operations Michael Hill reiterated that the 2013 National League Rookie of the Year will not return to the mound until June or July. 

Fernandez underwent Tommy John surgery in May and was cleared to start a throwing program that began on Oct. 1. Following his first time throwing in over four months, Fernandez said his arm felt great after making 25 throws from 30 feet. 

The right-hander has been excellent early on in his young career prior to injury, posting a 16-8 record and 2.25 ERA in 224 1/3 innings while notching 257 strikeouts.