Marlins activate Martin Prado, Designate Tyler Moore for assignment

The Marlins activated Martin Prado off the disabled list today, according to MLB.com’s Joe Frisaro. To make room for him on the 25-man roster, Tyler Moore was designated for assignment.

Prado was set to be the Marlins’ Opening Day third baseman until the 33-year-old suffered a hamstring strain while playing for Venezuela in the World Baseball Classic on March 15.

The former All-Star signed a new three-year, $40 million deal with the Marlins in the offseason after coming off of his best season to date in Miami. Prado slashed .305/.359/.417 last season with the Marlins while driving in 75 runs and posting a wRC+ of 109.

The veteran infielder should take over his starting spot at third base immediately, which would likely send Derek Dietrich back to the bench. Miguel Rojas could continue to split time with rookie J.T. Riddle (who could be Miami’s shortstop of the future) at shortstop while Adeiny Hechavarria is on the DL. Rojas has been on fire so far this season, posting a .878 OPS in 37 plate appearances.

The Marlins had a tough decision to make in clearing a spot on the roster for Prado, and they ultimately decided to go with the defense and bullpen over the bench bat. Riddle and reliever Jarlin Garcia, who both have minor league options, were kept on the roster over Moore, who now has to pass through waivers.

Moore is 4-for-11 at the plate this season with a double, an RBI and four strikeouts. He has been almost exclusively used as a pinch hitter, making only one start as a platoon partner for Justin Bour at first base.

The 30-year-old right-handed hitter would most likely return to Triple-A for the Marlins if he does in fact pass through waivers, but any team looking for a right-handed bat off the bench could snatch Moore away from the Marlins.