MIAMI -- In preparation for potential additions via free agency or the trade market, the Marlins on Wednesday took care of some roster formalities, reinstating Martin Prado, Garrett Cooper, Caleb Smith and Pablo Lopez from the 60-day disabled list.
The transactions bump Miami's 40-man roster to 35.
Prado, 35, is one of three veteran players who already has a contract for 2019, along with Starlin Castro and Wei-Yin Chen. The veteran third baseman is signed for $15 million in the final year of his deal. He has missed significant time the past two seasons, appearing in just 91 games total. One of the leaders and most respected players on the team, Prado went on the 60-day DL on Sept. 4 with a right abdominal strain. He also had 10-day DL stints with left hamstring and left quad strains.
Prado could either play third base or some first base in 2019. It will depend on his health and the roster construction. The Marlins are considering Brian Anderson for third base, but he could also be an option in right field.
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Cooper, who turns 28 on Dec. 25, was Miami's starting right fielder on Opening Day, but due to a right wrist injury, he ended up playing in just 14 games, hitting .212 in 33 at-bats. He had right wrist surgery late in the year. If healthy, Cooper is a candidate for first base or a corner outfield spot.
Smith, 27, was one of the bright spots in the rotation in the first half. The left-hander was 5-6 with a 4.19 ERA overall, with 88 strikeouts in 77 1/3 innings. At the time of his injury, he was pacing all National League rookies in strikeouts. But Smith's season was cut short after he tore a left lat muscle, which required season-ending surgery in early July. If he bounces back, he could be a big part of the 2019 rotation.
Lopez, 22, is one of the more promising young players in the organization. The right-hander was 2-4 with a 4.14 ERA in 58 2/3 innings in his rookie season. The Marlins placed Lopez on the 60-day DL on Sept. 1 with a right shoulder strain. The team is confident he will be ready for the start of Spring Training.