Derek Dietrich Offers Potential Spark for Struggling Marlins

Miami Marlins NewsMiami Marlins rookie second baseman Derek Dietrich went 2 for 4 with an RBI single in the Marlins’ 6-2 loss to the Cincinnati Reds on Tuesday night.

The Miami newcomer has gone 6 for 14 with 4 RBI since his call up from Double-A Jacksonville on May 8, serving as the replacement for injured Donovan Solano along with journeyman infielder Nick Green.

A multi-tool talent out of Georgia Tech, Dietrich was selected by the Tampa Bay Rays in the 2nd Round of the 2010 MLB Amateur Draft before being traded to Miami for veteran shortstop Yunel Escobar this past offseason.

Dietrich offers the struggling Miami club a burst of energy in terms of offensive support in the wake of injuries to Giancarlo Stanton and other vital offensive help. After batting .282 with a respectable .408 on-base percentage in 28 games for Double-A Jacksonville before his call up, Dietrich will be relied upon to swing the bat and produce in the middle of the order.

Despite injuries to the heart of the order, Miami manager Mike Redmond will look to Dietrich and fellow rookie outfielder Marcell Ozuna (who has provided consistent production since being called up on April 30) to provide offensive stability and a spark for a struggling Miami club that sits last in their division with a paltry 11-28 record.

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The team released RHP David Aardsma. He caught on  with the Marlins last month and posted a 2.57 ERA and 12/8 K/BB ratio over 14 innings with Triple-A New Orleans.

 Casey Kotchman could begin a rehab assignment in the next few days.