Marisnick working through growing pains

ATLANTA -- Each start is part of Jake Marisnick's overall learning experience.

The 22-year-old, called up from Double-A in late July, has had his share of struggles since joining the Marlins. In his first 31 big league games, he was batting .184 in 98 at-bats.

Marisnick got the starting nod in center field on Sunday against the Braves at Turner Field. It's his fourth start in the team's last 11 games.

Of late, Justin Ruggiano has started in center. But Ruggiano has a sore calf, and he was out of the starting lineup, although he was available to pinch-hit.

"With Jake, every at-bat is an experience for him," Miami manager Mike Redmond said. "He can play defense. We just have to keep plugging him in there and getting those at-bats."

Marisnick has been working on his swing with interim hitting coach John Pierson.

"We'll give him his reps," Redmond said. "At the end of this year, he will be able to go home and realize what it takes to sustain his swing up here in the Major Leagues, and what to work on."