Prior to his major league debut in 2007, he had never pitched above Class-A. He underwent ligament replacement surgery on his right arm in 2005.
In 2006, VandenHurk started five games for the Gulf Coast League Marlins in rookie ball and three more games for the Jupiter Hammerheads of High-A. In the rookie league, VandenHurk allowed just two runs on four hits in 15 innings of work, while striking out 26 batters. With the Hammerheads, he allowed three earned runs on five hits through ten innings and striking out 15.
On April 9, 2007, VandenHurk was promoted to the Marlins from the Double-A Carolina Mudcats when pitcher Ricky Nolasco was placed on the disabled list.[1] At the time of his debut, he was the youngest player in the National League. He made his first major league appearance on April 10, starting against the Milwaukee Brewers. A rain delay cut his debut short after 4 2/3 innings, in which he allowed one earned run on five hits, with five strikeouts and three walks.[2]
VandenHurk was sent back to Double-A after the team's April 24 loss to the Atlanta Braves. In his his fourth appearance, he pitched just one inning while giving up six earned runs on four hits and four walks. Pitcher Nate Field was called up from Triple-A Albuquerque to take his roster spot.
On June 5, the Marlins called up VandenHurk to throw the second game of a double header. He went six innings without giving up a hit until Yunel Escobar hit a double to lead off the 7th inning. He did not give up a run and earned his first win.[3] He was sent again to Double-A on June 16.
During the 2007 midseason, VandenHurk was selected to the All-Star Futures Game for which he received the win.
He was called back up to the majors on Tuesday July 22nd, 2008 to start against the Atlanta Braves.