Hech back in Miami Tuesday, if not dealt first

Marlins shopping shortstop, who's set to complete rehab assignment and come off DL

June 24th, 2017

MIAMI -- If nothing changes on the trade front, the Marlins anticipate reinstating shortstop from the disabled list on Tuesday for the series opener with the Mets at Marlins Park.
Manager Don Mattingly said Saturday afternoon that Tuesday was the target date to bring Hechavarria back from his rehab assignment with Class A Advanced Jupiter and have him return to the big league club.
With Hechavarria, the question is whether he will still be with the Marlins by then. In recent days, he's been the subject of trade talks, and there is still a chance he could be dealt before Tuesday.

Mattingly didn't get into the trade rumblings.
Hechavarria went on the 10-day DL on May 10 with a left oblique strain. Since he's been out, JT Riddle has secured the shortstop spot, and the organization is prepared to continue with him playing regularly.
According to sources, the Marlins remain in trade talks with multiple teams, including the Cardinals and Rays.
Hechavarria is making $4.35 million this season, and the Marlins are looking to clear the rest of his salary this year off their books. It's a matter of finding a fit for the slick-fielding shortstop, who twice was a National League Gold Glove Award finalist.
But Hechavarria has been held back by injuries this year, serving two different DL stints with a left oblique strain. In 20 games with the Marlins, he has a slash line of .277/.288/.385 with one home run and six RBIs.
The Marlins reinstated third baseman from the DL on Friday, designating infielder for assignment. Colon had been a backup shortstop option. With him gone, second baseman Dee Gordon is the backup shortstop candidate, but the club would prefer to avoid that.
Riddle, 25, was promoted from Triple-A New Orleans in May, and he became the primary shortstop after Hechavarria and (fractured right thumb) went on the DL.

A left-handed hitter, Riddle has shown some power, but he's been cooling off of late, as his average has dipped to .239.
Mattingly said it's up to the coaching staff to help Riddle make adjustments.
"They're going to keep trying different ways to get him out," Mattingly said of opposing teams. "They're going to do different things. They're going to start looking at the charts, the hot zones, seeing where he's getting his hits and where he's not. They'll try to expose him. It will be up to him and to us to help him to continue to make the adjustments."