Miami Marlins News: Gorkys Hernandez to be traded? Koyie Hill backup catcher?

Mar 9, 2013; Melbourne, FL, USA; Miami Marlins center fielder Gorkys Hernandez (2) against the Washington Nationals during a spring training game at Space Coast Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

In the middle of the third inning, manager Mike Redmond removed outfielder Gorkys Hernandez from the game, without any apparent reason. Hernandez was not hurt and Redmond did not offer any solid reason as to why Hernandez was removed so abruptly.

"“We just got him in there and got him an at-bat. He’s fine,’’ Redmond said."

This move would make sense, if the Marlins wanted to see someone else get some at-bats that could make the team. That was not the case, as Daniel Pertusati came into replace Gorkys.

So what could the reasoning be behind the sudden removal? Hernandez is out of options, meaning the Marlins would have to keep him on the 25-man roster or risk losing him on waivers.

Hernandez believes that a trade could be in the works, thus resulting in his removal from the game, to avoid any sort of injury. That would make a lot of sense and it would be interesting to see what the Marlins can get for him. The Marlins acquired Gorkys last season from the Pittsburgh Pirates last season for Gaby Sanchez.

If Gorkys is indeed traded, this would open the door for Chris Coghlan to make the team and possibly platoon with Justin Ruggiano in center.

Stay tuned for more updates.

Koyie Hill Backup?

Before today’s game, Mike Redmond said he was not comfortable about having two inexperienced catchers on the active roster, in Rob Brantly and Kyle Skipworth.

With the injury to Jeff Mathis at the beginning of camp, Skipworth was the favorite to land the backup catching role, as the Marlins did not have many other options. Skipworth had never played above Double-A in his career, so a jump the majors would be a huge one.

The Marlins signed Koyie Hill a couple of days ago. He started the game today and went 1-for-2, driving in a run. Redmond says not to rule out the possibility of Hill overtaking Skipworth as the backup:

"“It could happen. It could,” Redmond said. “It’s a perfect fit for what we need.”"

Hill is a career .210 hitter, but he provides a right handed backup to Brantly and has more major league experience. It will be interesting to see what the Marlins do here.

In the case Hill does make the team, the Marlins will have to make a few 40 man roster moves to accommodate Hill and the other players that have been told they are making the team.