Valdespin, Solano trying to shore up second base

ATLANTA -- The Marlins are exploring second-base options on the trade market.

Their ideal candidate would be a speed threat who can hit at the top of the order. Basically, the Marlins covet what they had hoped they acquired when free agent Rafael Furcal signed last December.

As the front office surveys the market, two candidates on the roster are currently making the most of their opportunities.

Jordany Valdespin, called up recently from Triple-A New Orleans, is a left-handed hitter who is getting chances against right-handed pitching. Donovan Solano is a right-handed-hitting option.

In Tuesday's 6-5 win over the Braves, Solano had a career-high four hits and a walk, reaching base in all five of his plate appearances.

"It would be nice to have one of them take that job over," manager Mike Redmond said. "For right now, it gives us the flexibility to mix and match."

Solano has had a strong July, batting .378 (17-for-45) in the month. Solano's hitting enables Redmond to continue to slot his second baseman in the No. 2 hole in the lineup. Christian Yelich leads off, with Giancarlo Stanton batting third and Casey McGehee fourth.

"I feel comfortable playing either of those guys in that role, in that No. 2 spot," Redmond said. "Both guys can hit-and-run. Valdy brings a little more speed than Donovan does. They both give us good defense. We can mix and match there as we want to."