Dobbs settling into pinch-hitting role

MIAMI -- The return of core position players like Logan Morrison and Giancarlo Stanton to the lineup has allowed the Marlins' bench to fall into place.

Greg Dobbs, for instance, has settled back into the role the team envisioned for him entering the season. The veteran is a quality pinch-hitter who can play multiple positions.

Like the rest of the team, Dobbs has seen his production pick up in June. Entering Wednesday, he was batting .296 in 15 games, and he delivered a couple of critical pinch-hit singles last weekend at San Francisco.

As a pinch-hitter this year, Dobbs started off hitless in his first eight at-bats, but he now has a string of three straight hits in that role.

"That's kind of what we talked about in Spring Training was having him in that [pinch-hit] position," manager Mike Redmond said. "But with all the injuries, he had to play. I know it's good for him, because he loves to play."

Logan Morrison started the season on the 60-day disabled list and Casey Kotchman (hamstring) missed substantial time, and Dobbs filled in at first base on a regular basis.

In May, the left-handed hitter had 91 at-bats and batted .193.

Coming off the bench, Dobbs gives the Marlins a weapon who can deliver against left-handed and right-handed pitchers.

"Really, his strength and value to this team is coming off the bench," Redmond said. "That's exactly what he's done, whether it's against a lefty or righty or whatever. We're always looking to get him into a good right-hander situation, but he gives you great at-bats against a lefty."