MIAMI – The Marlins continued shaking up their roster on Thursday, recalling outfielder Heriberto Hernández from Triple-A Jacksonville and optioning infielder Graham Pauley.
They also optioned lefty Dax Fulton, who provided four relief innings on Wednesday in his Major League debut, and selected the contract of righty Stephen Jones from Triple-A to add a fresh arm to the bullpen. Thursday marks Day 7 of 10 straight days with games for the Marlins, which began a stretch of 26 games in 27 days.
Pauley, who was battling Connor Norby for the Opening Day third-base job this spring, still made the roster despite being limited during big league camp because of right elbow discomfort.
After an encouraging end to his 2025 season (.840 second-half OPS), the left-handed-hitting Pauley hadn’t been able to get going so far in 2026, batting .173/.225/.293 in 81 plate appearances. He had been held hitless over his last 17 at-bats dating back to his homer on April 26 in San Francisco. His defense, which ranked among the best in the Majors at the hot corner in 2025 (three defensive runs saved, six outs above average), also took a downturn (0 DRS and 0 OAA).
Sending Pauley down opens up more consistent playing time for Norby at third base and free-agent signing Christopher Morel at first. In addition, the introduction of catching prospect Joe Mack earlier this week means Liam Hicks bouncing around behind the dish, at first and as designated hitter to keep his bat in the lineup.
Hernández, whom the Marlins optioned to Triple-A Jacksonville on April 27, provides the left-handed-heavy club another right-handed option. Following a promising rookie season (117 OPS+), he also started out slow, with a 37 OPS+ in 74 plate appearances. During his brief stint back in the Minors, Hernández went 6-for-22 with eight runs, two doubles, two RBIs, three walks and just one strikeout.
Jones, who has yet to make his Major League debut, could become the fifth Marlin to do so in consecutive days. The right-handed reliever had posted a 3.24 ERA, striking out 19 and walking 13 over 16 2/3 innings for the Jumbo Shrimp.