Marlins opt to designate Olivo for assignment

ATLANTA -- The Marlins on Wednesday removed Miguel Olivo from the restricted list and designated the veteran catcher for assignment.

Miami placed Olivo on the restricted list on June 15 after the backup catcher walked out on the team prior to a game against the Cardinals the previous day. On the restricted list, the Marlins were not paying Olivo.

Olivo was unhappy with a lack of playing time, and in a meeting with the club, expressed that he wanted to be released. When the team didn't agree, the backup catcher got dressed and departed the clubhouse.

Being designated, the Marlins have a 10-day period to either trade or release Olivo. Or Olivo could accept the assignment, and agree to go to Triple-A New Orleans.

The Marlins signed Olivo for $800,000 at the end of Spring Training. He was brought in to back up Rob Brantly because Jeff Mathis opened the season on the disabled list with a broken right collarbone.

In 33 games with Miami, Olivo batted .203 with four home runs and nine RBIs. His playing time diminished when Mathis was reinstated from the DL on May 14.