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Lucas holding his own at multiple positions

MIAMI -- Ed Lucas has been a revelation for the Marlins since making his Major League debut against the Rays on May 30, quickly earning a spot in the everyday lineup.

Usually batting second in front of slugger Giancarlo Stanton, Lucas has made a lot of noise with his bat. The 31-year-old rookie ranks second on the team with a .281 average and third with a .351 on-base percentage.

However, Lucas' impact extends beyond the batter's box.

In Miami's series loss to Atlanta this week, Lucas made several stellar plays at third base to keep the games close.

During Monday's 7-1 loss to the Braves, Lucas made a leaping grab on a B.J. Upton liner that seemed destined to sail over his head for a base hit.

He again robbed Upton during the third inning of Tuesday's 6-4 loss, diving to his left to snag another liner from Upton searching for outfield grass. With two outs and men on first and second, Lucas' play preserved a 3-3 tie.

Lucas decided to pick on another Brave for his third highlight-reel play of the series, barehanding a soft grounder on the infield grass to beat Dan Uggla by a step at first for the third out in the top of the fifth on Tuesday.

"B.J. scorched a couple of line drives right at me," Lucas said. "I know he's struggling. That's kind of the way it goes sometimes. I'm trying to help my guy, and he's trying to eke out his hits. Somebody's got to win."

Although he spends most of his time at third, Lucas has played five different positions for the Marlins. He has spent innings at first, second, third and shortstop since July 3. Lucas also saw time in left field during Miami's 20-inning win in New York on June 8. Despite moving all over the diamond, Lucas has made only two errors in 141 combined chances for a .986 fielding percentage.

But regardless of where Lucas plays on the diamond, he helps Miami win. The Marlins are 20-17 since bringing the Dartmouth grad up to the big leagues.

"Our pitchers are keeping us in the game," Lucas said. "We're doing everything behind them that we can to help them out."

Joe Morgan is an associate reporter for MLB.com.
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