It hasn't been an easy ride for the 2009 Rookie of The Year. Whether it be because of an injury or inconsistency, Miami Marlins outfielder Chris Coghlan has struggled to remain with the big league club.
On the disabled list since June 9 with a right calve nerve irritation, Coghlan will no longer be an outfielder upon returning from the DL. While the Marlins were in Kansas City for a three game series against the Royals, manager Mike Redmond said that the organization believed it would be best for former left fielder to spend time at third base during his rehab assignment, which began Wednesday.
"We'll start his progression and see how he does," Redmond said in an interview with the Sun-Sentinel. "We talked about it as an organization and tried to figure out not only where he would fit, but where he could get the playing time.
Before he got injured, the Marlins internally discussed having Coghlan become acclimated to playing third base. Coghlan hasn't played an infield position since 2009, prior to his promotion. Drafted as an infielder out of college, the Marlins had Coghlan learn to play center field in order to get his bat in the lineup.
According to the Sentinel, Coghlan was hitless in the two games he appeared in prior to the injury. In the games prior to those two, Coghlan put together a ten game hitting streak during which he posted four doubles, a triple, a homer and eight RBIs. He was batting .277 with a .326 OBP in 51 games.
Coghlan frequently found himself in the lineup early on because of Giancarlo Stanton's absence. However, Miami's outfield is currently crowded, with Stanton healthy, and Christian Yelich and Jake Marisnick both being evaluated and gaining major league experience.
"You see the young guys are in the outfield, and I think my versatility can help," Coghlan said in an interview with MLB.com. "It's one of those things, if the front office and [manager Mike Redmond] want me to play some games at third, or in the outfield, if somebody needs a breather, I just want to play every day, and help the team win.
Third base is a position that Miami has consistently had a hard time filling. Matt Dominguez, the organization's primary third base prospect, was traded to Houston last season, and Zack Cox's(acquired from St. Louis) development has been inconsistent and plagued by injuries.
Placido Polanco and Ed Lucas have both spent time at third throughout the year, however when Coghlan is eligible to return in September, he may eventually become the starting third baseman.
"I like what he does offensively," Redmond added. "I like what he brought to the team before he got hurt, so we'll see. Hopefully he'll stay healthy and we'll get him up here and see what he can do."
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