MIAMI -- The Marlins placed rookie outfielder Owen Caissie (right calf strain) and left-handed reliever John King (left lateral ankle sprain) on the injured list prior to Thursday night’s game against the Mariners at loanDepot park.
Miami recalled outfielder Rece Hinds and right-hander Ryan Gusto from Triple-A Jacksonville as the corresponding roster moves. The Marlins also returned from rehab and reinstated Janson Junk from the 15-day IL and optioned righty Zach Brzykcy to Triple-A.
Following Wednesday’s win, manager Clayton McCullough said that Caissie initially felt the tightness on Tuesday but was able to get through his pregame work OK on Wednesday. The calf started to grab at him again during the first inning of defense, ushering his exit before taking an at-bat.
“Just felt that’s not something we wanted to really take a chance on, and we'll get some further exams done on him, and have probably a better idea tomorrow what's going on there,” McCullough had said Wednesday night.
Caissie, who turned 24 on Wednesday, was batting .239/.297/.459 with 12 doubles, 12 homers (tied for second most on the club) and 50 RBIs (second most) in 80 games as the Marlins’ primary right fielder. Since May 1, he had an .861 OPS.
In Caissie’s absence, Miami could roll with the right-handed-hitting Heriberto Hernández or Hinds and the left-handed-hitting Griffin Conine at the corner-outfield spots depending on pitcher handedness. Conine took over for Caissie in Wednesday's game, going 1-for-3.
Hinds, whom the Marlins acquired from the Reds for righty reliever Zach McCambley on May 21, has a .648 career OPS in 131 big league plate appearances from 2024-26 with Cincinnati. Hinds hit .231/.296/.404 with three doubles and five homers in 28 games for Triple-A Jacksonville.
Since the 40-man roster is full, promoting a prospect like Kemp Alderman (Marlins No. 8) would have required clearing space.
King, one of the Marlins' offseason free-agent signings, has been the club's most reliable lefty bullpen option. He has a 2.48 ERA and a 0.75 WHIP with one save and four holds in 40 appearances. His IL delegation is retroactive to Wednesday.
Miami had optioned Gusto, who had made six starts (5.06 ERA) since June 5, last Friday to carry more relievers while pitching at hitter-friendly Sutter Health Park in West Sacramento.