Outfielder Brett Carroll has been with the Marlins since Friday afternoon, having been called up from Triple A Albuquerque (N.M.) before Florida's game against San Diego.
Recalled when left fielder Josh Willingham hit the 15-day disabled list, Carroll wasn't sure what his role with the Marlins would be. On Sunday, he saw his first action since his return to the majors, pinch-hitting in the eighth inning and taking over in left for the final inning.
Manager Fredi Gonzalez said Carroll probably would get a start in the upcoming series against Milwaukee.
''He's a guy on the bench -- but only right now,'' Gonzalez said, adding that he couldn't ignore the career numbers veteran Luis Gonzalez has put up against San Diego's pitchers.
``I'm the kind of guy who doesn't like to call a player up and then not play them. I don't like guys sitting on the bench because eventually you're going to need that player to contribute. That's tough to do if you've been parked on the bench for a week.''
This is Carroll's second stint with the Marlins this season. Carroll made the team initially when Jeremy Hermida got hurt, going 1 for 8 with Florida before being sent to the minors once Hermida returned. Carroll responded to the demotion well, hitting .418 in 18 games with nine home runs and 23 RBI. Carroll was with the Marlins twice last season as well.
''You hate to see a guy like [Willingham] get hurt, but hopefully I can fill in somewhere and help out,'' Carroll said. ``I'm still learning how to adjust by not playing, but watching players like [Gonzalez] and Wes Helms really helps me out. I'm just trying to be patient, keep up my usual routine. Hitting is all about confidence and feel. I've had a good month, done what I've had to do.''
STILL A PROBLEM
The Marlins remain one of the worst teams in baseball when it comes to driving in runners in scoring position. In Sunday's 10-3 victory over the Padres, Florida improved its average a bit by going 5 for 13 with runners in scoring position.
Through Sunday, the Marlins are batting only .230 in such situations, second-lowest in the majors to Toronto's .219.
