NEW YORK -- One of the expected September callups for the Marlins has joined the team a couple of days early. Right-hander Austin Brice was recalled from Triple-A New Orleans on Monday, and lefty Justin Nicolino was optioned to the Zephyrs.
The move isn't surprising, because Nicolino was brought up as a spot starter to face the Padres on Sunday at Marlins Park. The 24-year-old was filling in for Andrew Cashner, who was scratched due to a blister.
But Cashner is expected to be ready to go on Friday at Cleveland. So rather than carry a sixth starter for the four-game series at the Mets, which began on Monday, Brice was added for bullpen depth.
Nicolino remains a candidate to be called up in September.

Brice, a converted starter, made his lone big league appearance against the White Sox on Aug. 12, striking out two in a clean inning. He opened the season at Double-A Jacksonville as a starter, but was converted to the bullpen.
Brice, 24, has pitched at Double-A and Triple-A with a combined 2.74 ERA with 89 strikeouts and 30 walks in 102 innings. He's appeared in 32 combined Minor League games with 13 starts.
A candidate to throw multiple innings, Brice's fastball average is 96.25 mph, according to Pitch-f/x.
Nicolino took a tough-luck 3-1 loss to the Padres on Sunday, giving up three runs in six innings. In 13 big league starts this year, he is 2-6 with a 5.48 ERA.
On Thursday, the September callup period begins, and the Marlins are expected to promote several pitchers for depth for their final playoff push.