SAN FRANCISCO -- Marlins third baseman Martin Prado made the trip to San Francisco with the club Thursday night, but he didn't stay long. The veteran was absent for Friday's series-opening 8-1 loss to the Giants at AT&T Park.
Prado had a good excuse to return to Florida. His wife on Friday gave birth to a girl. On Saturday, before the Marlins' 7-2 loss to the Giants, the third baseman was placed on the MLB paternity list. To fill his roster spot, lefty reliever Cody Ege had his contract selected from Triple-A New Orleans.
Players on the paternity list are allowed three days away from the club. Prado's first day was Saturday, even though he wasn't in uniform Friday because the Marlins opted to have 24 available. He is eligible to return Tuesday, in Miami's second of four games at the Dodgers.
The arrival of Ege gives Miami 13 pitchers and 12 position players for the first time this year. The organization made the decision to go with extra relievers as insurance if the starters don't make it deep into games.
"After using a couple of guys out of our 'pen last night, it was probably the best way to go, making sure we were covered with relievers out there," manager Don Mattingly said. "It gives us another lefty."

Ege, 24, was a 15th-round pick of the Rangers in 2013. The Marlins acquired him from Texas last July as part of the Sam Dyson deal.
The lefty has familiarity with the team, having been in big league Spring Training.
"Walking in this clubhouse and seeing some familiar faces [helps]," Ege said. "I've gotten the chance to work with the guys a little bit. The biggest part is watching how they work and how they go about their business."
In 161 2/3 Minor League innings, Ege has struck out 205 while posting a 2.23 ERA.
Ege appeared in five games this season with New Orleans, allowing three runs in 3 2/3 innings with four strikeouts and two walks.
This is Ege's first big league callup. The Marlins now have 39 on their 40-man roster.
"I'm just here to help any way I can to win ballgames," Ege said before making his Major League debut in the eighth inning, allowing a hit and a run in the frame. "I'm excited to get going."