Coghlan, Pierre switch spots atop lineup

MIAMI -- Runs have been hard to come by for the Marlins, so manager Mike Redmond made a shift at the top of the order on Tuesday night against the Nationals.

For the first time this season, Juan Pierre didn't lead off. Instead, Chris Coghlan stepped into the spot, while Pierre slid to second.

"We just flip-flopped them," Redmond said. "If Cogs gets on, JP can bunt and do a lot of different things. Why not? Just mix it up, and see if it works, or if it sparks anything. We'll see."

In 2009, when Coghlan won the National League Rookie of the Year Award, he led off. Until Tuesday, the last time he hit first was on June 15, 2011, in the first game of a doubleheader at Philadelphia.

In Monday's 10-3 loss, Coghlan had two hits, giving him his first multi-hit game since June 3, 2012 at Philadelphia.

"He had good at-bats," Redmond said. "He was aggressive."

Like most on the team, Pierre is off to a slow start, batting .180 (9-for-50).

Coghlan also is looking to get going, carrying a .130 (3-for-23) average into Tuesday's game.

"Obviously, at this stage, we're trying to see what fits," Redmond said. "Ultimately, if you get on base and get a couple of hits, you might go from hitting seventh to third."