NEW YORK -- The Marlins' top left-handed reliever is close to being activated from the 10-day disabled list. Jarlin Garcia, recovering from a left biceps strain, threw a bullpen session on Sunday at Citi Field.
Barring any feelings of discomfort on Monday, there's a chance the 24-year-old is reinstated on Tuesday for the doubleheader with the Phillies at Citizens Bank Park.
The Marlins have gone without a lefty in their bullpen since Garcia went on the DL on Tuesday, retroactive to Aug. 12.
Garcia has been a mainstay in the bullpen since being called up from Double-A Jacksonville. In 51 games, he has a 3.43 ERA with 29 strikeouts and nine walks over 39 1/3 innings. Left-handed batters are hitting .192 off him.
"Jarlin has been a nice surprise, really," Marlins manager Don Mattingly said. "He was starting a year ago. But ever since they put him in the 'pen, he's been really good. He had a good [Arizona] Fall League. He kind of came in Spring Training, and the whole year, he's been good."
Groomed as a starter for much of his career, Garcia pitched just four innings at Jacksonville in 2017, and he has been an effective lefty option working out of the 'pen.
At least for the rest of the season, Garcia will be used in relief. That could change in 2018, because the organization is considering giving him a chance to be in the rotation. That decision has not been finalized.
Worth noting:
* Justin Bour's right oblique strain has provided opportunities for Tomas Telis at first base. On Sunday at the Mets, he made his ninth start at first base in August. The Marlins are continuing to groom Telis as a catcher, but to take advantage of his hitting, first base is another option.
"One thing we knew about Teli is that he could hit," Mattingly said. "Seeing Teli last year, we see he has a good swing, and he can hit. Now, it's a matter of fitting him in, keep helping him grow as a catcher, but also give him some flexibility where he can play first and help us out."