Miami Marlins Promote Prospect Derek Dietrich

Feb 22, 2013; Jupiter, FL, USA; Miami Marlins player

(72) poses for a picture during photo day at Roger Dean Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

It looks as if 23-year old infielder Derek Dietrich will be called up from AA-Jacksonville this evening and start at second base for the Marlins. According to the Saint Ignatius High School Sports twitter account (Dietrich’s alma mater) the Marlins made the call and penciled him in tonight’s lineup.

@SIHSSports

Saint Ignatius alum Derek Dietrich ’07 was called up this morning by the @Marlins and will make his major league debut tonight at 2nd base.

As noted by Joe Frisaro of Fish Pond, Dietrich is not in tonight’s lineup for the Jacksonville Suns.

@JoeFrisaro

No Derek Dietrich in #Suns lineup. Could he be on his way to join #Marlins

The Marlins acquired Dietrich from the Tampa Bay Rays in exchange for Yunel Escobar in December. He’s currently hitting .282/.408/.505 in Jacksonville.

The call up comes after Chris Valaika fractured his left radius in last night’s loss to the San Diego Padres and becoming the 11^th player on Miami’s disabled list.

Derek Dietrich follows fellow prospects Marcell Ozuna and Jose Fernandez to be called up from AA-Jacksonville this season. The lefty could split time at second base with Nick Green.  Dietrich isn’t projected to be a regular Major Leaguer, but there is value in a hit-first middle infielder, especially one who punishes righties.

Juan C. Rodriguez of the Sun-Sentinel and Marlins.com beat writer Joe Frisaro confirmed the news on his Twitter handle:

Expect a corresponding move to be announced shortly to accommodate Dietrich on the Marlins 40-man roster. Update 2:35 PM: Chris Valaika has been placed on the 15 day DL, team transfers Casey Kotchman to 60-day DL, and select the contract of second baseman Derek Dietrich from the Jacksonville Suns.