Miami Marlins Release Rowand, Option Petersen; A look at the potential 25-man roster

The Miami Marlins just announced that outfielder Bryan Petersen was optioned to Triple-A New Orleans and outfielder Aaron Rowand was released. Both were vying for a reserve outfielder role with the team.

Rowand was just 6-for-47 in 15 spring training games. It seemed like he was the favorite early on to win a spot with the Marlins, but that did not work out as planned.

Bryan Petersen enjoyed a long stay with the Marlins last season after posting a strong season in Triple-A. Looks like he will have to do the same thing this season in order to earn a call-up.

This move ensures what I speculated earlier this morning, Austin Kearns and Chris Coghlan are going to make the Marlins 25-man roster to begin the season, unless an unforeseen move is made before the season begins.

The news Marlins fans also should read into is that it seems that the Marlins are confident that Giancarlo Stanton and Logan Morrison should be ready to begin the season.

Along with the Rowand and Petersen moves, the Marlins re-assigned non-roster invitees right-handed pitcher J.D. Martin and infielder Nick Green to Minor League camp.

Here is what the Marlins 25-man roster should look like:

Catcher:

Starter: John Buck

Backup: Brett Hayes

Infield:

First Base: Gaby Sanchez

Second Base: Omar Infante

Third Base: Hanley Ramirez

Short Stop: Jose Reyes

Backups: Donnie Murphy/Donovan Solano, Greg Dobbs

Outfield:

Left Field: Logan Morrison

Center Field: Emilio Bonifacio

Right Field: Giancarlo Stanton

Backups: Chris Coghlan, Austin Kearns

Starting Pitchers:

1. Josh Johnson
2. Mark Buehrle
3. Ricky Nolasco
4. Carlos Zambrano
5. Anibal Sanchez

Relief Pitchers:

Closer: Heath Bell

Setup Man: Edward Mujica

Setup Man: Steve Cishek

L.O.G.G.Y: Randy Choate

Middle Relief: Mike Dunn

Middle Relief: Ryan Webb

Long Relief: Wade LeBlanc/Chad Gaudin