Koehler sent to Triple-A to make room for Alvarez

ATLANTA -- With Henderson Alvarez coming off the disabled list, the Marlins had to make a corresponding move.

Before facing the Braves on Thursday night, the Marlins optioned right-hander Tom Koehler to Triple-A New Orleans. To clear 40-man roster space, Matt Diaz was transferred to the 60-day disabled list. Diaz has been out since May 20 with a bone bruise in his left knee.

Alvarez opened the season on the DL with right shoulder inflammation. He made his first start with Miami on Thursday.

After opening the season in the bullpen, Koehler was moved to the rotation. In all, he's made 16 appearances, with 10 starts, posting a 1-5 record with a 4.70 ERA.

"Tom will go down there and be in the rotation," Marlins manager Mike Redmond said. "I thought he did a good job while he was here. He gives us some flexibility where he could start or pitch out of the bullpen. He got some valuable experience. He's a guy who has got a great arm."