Backup catcher Holaday elects free agency

The Marlins outrighted Bryan Holaday to Triple-A New Orleans on Friday afternoon, with the veteran catcher electing free agency. Miami's 40-man roster is at 36.

Jorge Alfaro is the only backstop remaining on the 40-man roster, with Chad Wallach on the 60-day injured list with recurring concussion symptoms. Wallach, who turns 28 next month, hit .250/.333/.375 in 19 games before landing on the injured list in late May. His father, Tim, was the Marlins’ bench coach the past four seasons before stepping down in September.

Holaday, 31, served as Miami's backup catcher over the past two seasons after signing Minor League contracts. With Wallach sidelined, Holaday slashed .278/.344/.435 with a .779 OPS in 43 games.

Fernández back with Rockies

On Saturday, the Marlins returned Julian Fernández to the Rockies. The 23-year-old right-hander was originally a Rule 5 Draft pick of the Giants in 2017 and he underwent Tommy John surgery in April 2018 before being claimed off waivers by the Marlins last November. But Fernández, whose fastball was once clocked at 103 mph, felt discomfort in his repaired elbow during rehab in June and he remained on the 60-day injured list.

The Marlins also outrighted catcher Tyler Heineman and right-hander Héctor Noesi, while the Reds claimed lefty Josh D. Smith off waivers.