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Coming off of their first series victory of the season over the New York Mets, the Marlins have made a series of roster moves which they hope will help the starting lineup consistently score runs.
After being placed on the 15-day disabled list, shortstop Adeiny Hechvarria completed his rehab assignment and was in the lineup on Thursday night against Philadelphia. Hechavarria was placed on the disabled list several weeks ago after he injured his elbow during batting practice.
Before sustaining the injury, Hechvarria was struggling at the plate. In just 14 games, he hit .182 with an on-base percentage just below .250. The Cuba native scored and drove in three runs while batting in the eight spot to begin the season.
One of the primary reasons the Marlins traded for Hechavarria was because of his glove, and although Nick Green, his temporary replacement, didn't do a poor job defensively, Miami will welcome back Hecavarria's energy on the field as they have made several errors over the course of the last few games.
Green was designated for assignment in the corresponding move. In eight games, Green hit .321 with three runs batted in. Chris Valaika also spent some time at short, and may get more of an opportunity in the future if Placido Polanco continues to struggle at the plate.
Brad Hand, who the Marlins promoted after placing Giancarlo Stanton on the disabled list, was also optioned to Triple-A New Orleans. Hand made his 2013 debut in relief on Wednesday afternoon against the Mets without giving up any runs.
Because Miami and manager Mike Redmond had been working with a short bench while Joe Mahoney was injured, the Marlins also selected the contract of outfielder Matt Diaz. Diaz is expected to see time in the outfield since Stanton was placed on the DL earlier this week.
With the Zephyrs in 23 games, Diaz batted ..341 with a .385 on-base percentage. He also hit a pair of home runs and posted ten RBIs while playing in the New Orleans outfield. If Redmond chooses, Diaz and Marcell Ozuna could platoon in right field.
For a team that has lacked offense for most of the season, the Marlins are hopeful a healthy Hechavarria and the power Matt Diaz can provide could give the team an offensive spark.