Miami Marlins News: Austin Kearns Leaves Team for Personal Matter; Likely to be Placed on Bereavement List

March 15, 2013; Tampa, FL, USA; Miami Marlins left fielder Austin Kearns (26) scratches his face against the New York Yankees at George M. Steinbrenner Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Due to a personal matter, Austin Kearns has left the Miami Marlins and will likely be placed on the Bereavement list, according to Clark Spencer of the Miami Herald.

The team expects Kearns to rejoin the roster in a couple of days, but by placing Kearns on the bereavement list, the team has the option to call up another player to take Kearns’ spot. Kearns owns a lowly .185/.290/.185 slash line this season in 31 plate appearances, but his patience and ability to work the count has made him the Marlins top right handed option off the bench.

With Matt Diaz already up in the majors, it will be interesting to see who the Marlins decide to call up. Diaz can play both the outfield and recently began playing first base in Triple-A.

We will have more updates on who the Marlins decide to call up to take Kearns spot, if they decide to call anyone up at all. Jeff Mathis recently started his rehab stint and could be an option for the Fish, with Olivo focusing on backing up first base.