Gregg was the Marlins' highest-paid player last year, earning $2.5 million. But he started struggling in July and posted a 10.13 ERA in August before he went on the disabled list. He underwent surgery in late October on his left knee.

When Gregg went down in August, Lindstrom took over and proved he deserves a chance to handle the job full time. Lindstrom, 28, converted all five of his save chances in September, posting a 1.74 ERA for the month.

The Marlins also will consider others for the job, including two newcomers: right-hander Leo Nunez, who was acquired from Kansas City on Oct. 30 for first baseman Mike Jacobs; and left-hander Dan Meyer, who was claimed off waivers from Oakland.

Last year, Ceda was 2-2 with a 4.80 ERA at Class A Daytona and 2-1 with a 2.08 ERA in 22 relief appearances for Class AA Tennessee. He has averaged more than 11 strikeouts per nine innings during his three seasons in the minors.

"Jose is a big, strong kid with a real live arm," Marlins baseball operations president Larry Beinfest said. "We think he can help us in the back end of our bullpen in the very near future, if not right away."