Marlins place Cooper on DL, recall Lee
Catcher Nola, right-hander Gonzalez clear waivers, outrighted to Triple-A
PHILADELPHIA -- Still experiencing soreness in his right wrist, Garrett Cooper was placed on the 10-day disabled list on Thursday morning, and the Marlins recalled outfielder Braxton Lee from Triple-A New Orleans.
Cooper, who opened the season as Miami's starting right fielder, was struck on the wrist by a pitch against the Cubs on Saturday. He returned to the lineup two days later, but he experienced discomfort and was replaced after two at-bats.
Cooper's DL stint is retroactive to Monday.
"The swelling and soreness kind of continued," Marlins manager Don Mattingly said. "We were hoping it would get out of their quickly, and it didn't. It was hard to play without him, because it's basically a two-man bench."
The Marlins were hopeful with a couple of days rest, Cooper could remain on the active roster and not be used to hit. But once the soreness didn't go away, the decision was to place him on the disabled list.
"It may have lingered if we kept trying to use him," Mattingly said. "Hopefully, now we get that inflammation knocked out and he's able to move forward."
Lee is rated by the MLB Pipeline as Miami's No. 17 prospect. The 24-year-old speedster was with the Marlins on Opening Day, but he was optioned to Triple-A New Orleans on Sunday.
Additionally, two other transactions took place on Thursday. Catcher Austin Nola and right-hander Severino Gonzalez each cleared waivers and were outrighted to New Orleans.
The Minor League season opens on Thursday, and Lee would have been getting ready to play daily in the outfield at New Orleans. On the 40-man roster for the first time, Lee's season could be a series of back-and-forth shuttles from New Orleans to Miami.
"That's what they told me from the get-go, this is how your season is going to work," Lee said. "I was like, 'All right, I can't complain.'"
With the Marlins, Lee's role will be off the bench. Cameron Maybin has been getting regular time in right field.
Lee appeared as a pinch-hitter in the eighth inning of the Marlins' 5-0 loss to the Phillies on Thursday at Citizens Bank Park, reaching on an error by second baseman Cesar Hernandez. Lee, now 0-for-5, is seeking his first big league hit.
After being sent down on Monday, Lee returned home in Mississippi, and he was preparing for the season with the Baby Cakes. Ideally, the Marlins would like for Lee to play everyday in the Minors instead of soming off the bench in the big leagues.
"I told him, 'You've already been up and down twice, and the Minor League season hasn't even started yet,' " Mattingly said. "Hopefully, we get settled in and get guys back off the DL, and get most guys healthy. That allows [Lee] time to progress and develop the way he should."
Worth noting
• Wei-Yin Chen (left elbow strain) is throwing a bullpen session in South Florida on Thursday, and he is scheduled to throw a simulated game on Saturday. Right-hander Elieser Hernandez (tooth infection) is starting a rehab assignment on Friday with Class A Advanced Jupiter. Catcher J.T. Realmuto (low back contusion) is going to start hitting as part of his progression, and Dan Straily (right forearm strain) is scheduled to throw a bullpen session on Friday.