Marlins send Noesi, Heineman to Triple-A

October 16th, 2019

The Marlins made minor roster moves on Wednesday afternoon, outrighting catcher and right-hander Héctor Noesi to Triple-A New Orleans. The Reds also claimed left-hander Josh D. Smith off waivers. Miami's 40-man roster is at 37.

Heineman made his Major League debut on Sept. 4 after rosters expanded and collected three hits, including a homer, over parts of five games. The Marlins had acquired him via trade on June 4 from the D-backs. Veteran catcher , who was 's primary backup in 2019, is a pending free agent. Miami's other backstop, , was limited to just 54 plate appearances because of recurring concussion symptoms.

Noesi, signed to a Minor League contract in January, provided pitching depth to the organization. The 32-year-old righty returned to the Majors for the first time since 2015, going 0-3 with an 8.46 ERA and a 1.59 WHIP in 12 games (four starts). At Triple-A, Noesi went 11-4 with a 3.82 ERA and a 1.14 WHIP across 21 starts.

The 30-year-old Smith, whom the Marlins claimed off waivers from the Indians on Sept. 14, allowed four runs on three hits with three walks and two strikeouts over 4 1/3 innings spanning six outings. Miami has no shortage of lefty relief options on the 40-man roster in , , , and .