Casey McGehee happy to be back with Miami Marlins, won’t dwell on past

Whatever happened, whatever went wrong in San Francisco with the defending world champion Giants, Casey McGehee said he has closed the book on it and is not looking back.

He’s learned through the years there’s nothing to be gained by living in the past. No use dwelling on his 23 homers and 104 RBI for the Brewers in 2010 or, more recently, his National League Comeback Player of the Year performance for the Marlins last season, before he headed west as a free agent, only to forget to bring his bat to San Francisco.

Now he’s a Marlin again, enjoying the pregame banter with his new/old teammates, ready to hopefully pick up where he left off last season.

“There’s been some interesting ups and downs and all-arounds and all that,’’ said McGehee, 32, who was 4 for 11 with four RBI since his return to the Marlins entering Saturday night’s game. “It’s the same here, but it’s different.

“I know that’s a terrible answer. I know most of the guys, so it’s not as much of a feeling-out process.

“I feel like it is what it was with the Giants, I wish them luck, but obviously it didn’t work out.

“You can’t dwell on the past. Just keep looking forward. I have a chance to make an impact in this organization and clubhouse. I’m there to help these kids.”

Manager Dan Jennings is hoping McGehee’s familiarity breeds success.

“Some guys perform better where they were happy,” said Jennings, who went with Derek Dietrich over McGehee in Saturday’s game to give him another left-handed bat against right-hander Chad Billingsley. “Casey realizes he was part of starting something special last year with the clubhouse culture. We’re happy he’s back in a Marlins’ uniform.”

It didn’t take long for the Marlins to call after the Giants designated him for assignment, then released him.

“I was at the house trying to figure out what was next, doing my best to try to stay in some kind of baseball shape,’’ said McGehee, who hit just .213 with two homers and 11 RBI for the Giants, with a highlight being a grand slam against the Marlins. “It was stressful, so I’m glad it’s over with. It was kind of a weird scenario, but it ended up working out right.”

Especially if the 2015 Marlins version of McGehee can recapture his 2014 form.

THIS AND THAT

▪ The Marlins will know more Sunday about Jarred Cosart, who had to be lifted during the third inning of his rehab start at Triple A New Orleans.

“Our report said it was dehydration,” Jennings said. “He’ll see a doctor [Sunday], so we’ll have a truer idea. Vertigo is a very serious illness. If that’s what it is, we want to know what’s causing it. If it’s dehydration that’s less of a concern. But it’s been a tough year for him.’’

▪ It’s also been a tough year for utility infielder/outfielder/third catcher Don Kelly, whose season is over after he had Tommy John surgery on Tuesday. Kelly, 35, played in just two games this season.

COMING UP

▪ Sunday: Marlins RHP Dan Haren (7-5, 3.24 ERA) at Philadelphia Phillies LHP Cole Hamels (5-7, 3.63), 1:35p.m., Citizens Bank Park.

▪ Monday: Marlins RHP Mat Latos (3-6, 4.90) at Arizona Diamondbacks RHP Rubby De La Rosa (6-5, 5.06), 9:40 p.m., Chase Field.

This story was originally published July 18, 2015 at 7:54 PM with the headline "Casey McGehee happy to be back with Miami Marlins, won’t dwell on past."