WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. -- The Marlins have until 5 p.m. ET Sunday to set their Opening Day roster. Although there are 33 players remaining in camp, the organization has pretty much decided which 25 will be traveling to Washington in anticipation of Opening Day on Monday against the Nationals.
For now, manager Don Mattingly is not ready to officially declare who is staying and who is going.
"If somebody gets hurt, or something else, it could change something up until Saturday," Mattingly said Wednesday morning. "You get a guy who all of a sudden gets hit by a pitch; or a pitcher, something happens to him. It kind of flips things."
Mattingly did add that the organization has informed the players of where they stand.
"We've tried to communicate with all the guys and let them know that they're not going to be traveling," Mattingly said. "They have families and have to make plans. Am I going to New Orleans or am I going to D.C.? Or do I have to find a place in Miami?"
Of the 33 players, three are expected to open the season on the disabled list: third baseman Martin Prado (right hamstring), left-hander Jeff Locke (left biceps tendinitis) and right-hander Odrisamer Despaigne (oblique).
Catchers Ramon Cabrera and Carlos Paulino are still with the club, but mainly as depth for the remaining spring games.
So that leaves three non-roster invitees -- Tyler Moore, Brandon Barnes and Matt den Dekker -- vying for one bench spot.
The likely choice is Moore, a right-handed first-base option who also can play left field.
All three have out clauses. Either way, the Marlins are hopeful that the two who will not be with the big league club will report to Triple-A New Orleans.
"We've had conversations with everyone," Mattingly said. "Everyone kind of knows. We're just not officially saying it until we're there."
The Marlins are carrying 13 pitchers, with eight relievers. All those spots appear set.
Worth noting:
• Second baseman Dee Gordon, who had dental work this week and has missed a few games, will get at-bats on Thursday in a Minor League game.
• Prado is progressing in his recovery from a Grade 1 right hamstring strain. Best-case scenario is the veteran third baseman will be reinstated during the first homestand.
• Right-hander Jose Urena, projected as a long reliever, will pitch in a Minor League game on Thursday, and be caught by A.J. Ellis.