Cameron Maybin, the team's opening-day center fielder, was sent to the minors after Florida's 3-2 loss Sunday in Colorado. The rookie was struggling with a .202 batting average and 31 strikeouts.
"He has to build up some confidence," said general manager Mike Hill. "He's a tremendously talented young man with a bright future ahead of him. He's still a baby." The Marlins hope Maybin can regain his swing at Class AAA New Orleans and return this year, possibly next month.
Maybin's demotion was set in motion when the team called up prospect Chris Coghlan to play left field, which set off an outfielder shift that put Maybin on the bench.
Maybin, who hadn't played since Thursday, was brought in Sunday to pinch run after John Baker doubled in the ninth inning. Representing the tying run, he was caught in a rundown when he tried to advance to third on a grounder to short.
"Overall, he has to polish his game," manager Fredi Gonzalez said.
The team will call up John Koronka to start Tuesday in Milwaukee.
ROCKIES 3, MARLINS 2: RHP Chris Volstad pitched well enough to be the third straight Marlins starter to notch a win. He allowed two earned runs in six innings for his fourth consecutive quality start, but he still wound up losing his second straight start. He gave up two runs in the first inning, including a home run to Troy Tulowitzki. But 3B Emilio Bonifacio's throwing error paved the way for an unearned run in the fifth inning.
