DENVER (AP) - The Florida Marlins optioned struggling outfielder Cameron Maybin to Triple-A New Orleans after Sunday's 3-2 loss to the Colorado Rockies.
The roster opening is expected to be filled by a pitcher, but the Marlins did not immediately announce a replacement. They need a starter by Tuesday to take the spot in the rotation of Anibal Sanchez, who went on the 15-day disabled list last week with a shoulder injury.The promising Maybin was a centerpiece in the eight-player swap between the Marlins and the Tigers in December 2007 that also saw pitcher Dontrelle Willis sent to Detroit.
But Maybin was batting .202 in 26 games. He also was caught in a ninth-inning run-down Sunday after being sent in to pinch-run for John Baker, who had doubled with one out.
Marlins manager Fredi Gonzalez said the demotion would give Maybin a chance to play regularly, get more at-bats and polish his game.
"This is all about maintaining a confidence level," Gonzalez said. "We don't want a guy to get buried. We felt as a staff and an organization that he was getting close to that. This guy is important to us. He can go down there and tear it up. There's no timetable. Just getting going again."
Maybin said he'll work his way back into the big leagues.
"I need the innings," he said. "I'm going to try to get some work in and try to get better."
