September call ups

The Marlins are going to have to wait at least day for some of the September call ups and for some of the others, who knows how long.

Left-hander Andrew Miller (right knee tendinitis) was back in uniform Sunday and will be activated for today's series opener against the Braves. Miller will work out of the bullpen, primarily as a long man. His first eight big-league appearances in 2006 were in relief.

"I'm not completely out of the woods, but I'm in good shape to control it right now," Miller said. "It's manageable." ...

With roster expansion starting today, the Marlins' reinforcements will start trickling in. Infielders Robert Andino and Dallas McPherson are good bets to join the club after Triple-A Albuquerque concludes its season today. Center fielder Cameron Maybin and right-handerRyan Tucker could arrive once Double-A Carolina is eliminated from the Southern League playoffs.

Manager Fredi Gonzalez anticipated the Marlins promoting about six to eight players.

The bullpen needs some help which maybe Miller can provide in left-handed relief  since Rhodes is being held out as a possible closer.  Tucker will also be useful out of the pen whenever his season ends.  Should he rejoin the team.

Most of the position players will be pinch hitters and see limited time in the field.  You know, the usual.  The pitchers will work out of the pen since all of the starter slots are full.

I guess the story here is that the expanded roster won't happen all at once and it may take some time before everyone gets the call.  And once they do, they will have a marginal effect on the team's play.  But then again, you never know.  Maybe one of them will shine and improve their chances at being a big leaguer in the future.

It's cup of coffee time.