NEW YORK -- The Marlins' infield depth is being tested early. On Sunday afternoon, the organization announced shortstop Adeiny Hechavarria has been placed on the 10-day disabled list with a left oblique strain.
With Hechavarria out, the left side of Miami's infield is taxed because third baseman Martin Prado opened the season on the DL with a right hamstring strain. For depth, J.T. Riddle has been recalled from Triple-A New Orleans and will be in uniform for Sunday night's series finale with the Mets at Citi Field.
Hechavarria tweaked his oblique during batting practice prior to Saturday's 8-1 win over the Mets at Citi Field. But he felt he could play through, so he didn't say anything to the coaches. He felt some discomfort swinging in his first at-bat, and made it through the rest of the game.
"The pain wasn't that bad," Hechavarria said. "I thought it was a pain I could handle and play with."
The Marlins and Hechavarria remain confident the injury won't linger much longer than 10 days. On Sunday, Hechavarria said he felt much better and he responded well to tests performed by trainer Dustin Luepker.
"Dustin was pretty optimistic today," manager Don Mattingly said. "There's a possibility that it could be shorter. He felt pretty good coming in today. We knew it wasn't going to be a day or two. It was a pretty easy decision [to place him on the DL]."
Riddle, who will wear No. 39, is receiving his first big league callup. The left-handed-hitting shortstop is ranked by MLBPipeline.com as the Marlins' 12th overall prospect.
A former University of Kentucky standout, Riddle impressed the staff in Spring Training. While Miguel Rojas started on Sunday night at New York, Riddle is expected to get his share of starts, at least against right-handers.
"J.T. will play," Mattingly said. "I noticed a big improvement from one spring to the next. That's what you look forward to in guys when you see them the second time in camp. Sometimes they're a little nervous or are trying to figure out the whole scenario being in big league camp, and dealing with a lot."
Riddle's favorite player growing up was Chipper Jones, and he even wore No. 10 because of the legendary Braves' third baseman.
"Chipper Jones, I just loved him," Riddle said. "I wore his number - No. 10. I played some third when I was younger. There was just something about him. He was a hunter, too. So I liked that. The Braves were just on TV, so that's who we watched growing up."
Hechavarria, one of the top defensive shortstops in the National League, is hitting .200 (4-for-20) through the first five games.
Riddle, 25, is off to a hot start with the Baby Cakes, batting .429 (6-for-14).
Rojas is the likely replacement at shortstop until Hechavarria returns. Riddle can also play third base and second.