Miami Marlins Spring Training 2013: Josh Booty Update, Placido Polanco Dealing with Back Spasms

Last week, we learned that the Miami Marlins still owned the rights to Josh Booty. Booty, who won MLB Network’s “Next Knuckler” reality competition, was in camp with the Arizona Diamondbacks, with a shot to make the club out of camp. He had retired after the 1999 season to pursue an NFL career. Because Booty was under contract when he retired from baseball in 1999, he was still technically under the property of the Marlins team.

The Marlins on Thursday removed an obstacle that might have prevented 37-year-old Josh Booty from trying to make a comeback as a knuckleball pitcher. The Marlins filed paperwork to release Booty, which will allow him to make the D-Backs team if he has a strong spring.

Booty is still considered a long shot to make the team out of camp or make any sort of major contribution, but at least he has received an opportunity to rejuvenate his MLB career, this time as a pitcher.

dealt with back issues last season and they seem to be a concern early on the Spring for the third baseman. Mandatory Credit: Scott Rovak-USA TODAY Sports

Placido Polanco Aching Back?

Marlins new starting third baseman, Placdio Polanco has experienced mild back tightness the past few days, with cold weather entering the picture. Due to the back pain, the Marlins have decided to give Polanco a couple of days off.

The Marlins will have their first off-day of the Spring on Monday and with Polanco sitting out of the Marlins game on Saturday and Sunday. The team hopes he can return to the lineup on Tuesday when the Marlins face off with Team Venezuela at Roger Dean Stadium.

Back issues hindered Polanco last season with the Philadelphia Phillies as well, as he was limited to just 90 games. Polanco’s poor performance last season was attributed with his back issues, but Polanco claims that this injury is not related to what he experienced last season:

"“It has nothing to do with what I’ve had before,” Polanco said."

Polanco’s health will be something for Marlins fans to watch, as the team does not seem to have an adequate replacement on the roster to play third on a regular basis for the Marlins if these back issues linger for Polanco. Zack Cox and Chris Coghlan are two options that the Marlins could go with, but Greg Dobbs is someone the Marlins should avoid giving regular playing time to.