Marlins option Bour; Furcal coming up?

ARLINGTON -- The Marlins have cleared the way for Rafael Furcal to finally join the team.

After a 6-0 loss to the Rangers on Wednesday night at Globe Life Park, Miami optioned first baseman Justin Bour to Triple-A New Orleans.

The team didn't announce a corresponding move, but there now is an opening for Furcal to finally make his Marlins debut. The veteran infielder has been on the disabled list all season due to a left hamstring strain and a right groin strain.

Before the 36-year-old is added, the club will have to make a corresponding 40-man roster move.

When asked about Furcal on Wednesday, Miami manager Mike Redmond simply said he expects to see the veteran second baseman soon.

Miami signed Furcal, a career shortstop, as a free agent in the offseason to play second base. He hasn't played in the big leagues since 2012 while with St. Louis. He missed all of last year due to Tommy John surgery.

Furcal was scheduled to play in a rehab-assignment game on Wednesday with Class A Jupiter, but it was rained out.

Bour showed promised in his brief callup from New Orleans. He went 5-for-13 (.385) in three starts as a designated hitter.

At New Orleans, Bour is batting .330 with nine home runs and 36 RBIs.

Rather than carry Bour as a lefty pinch-hitter against National League teams, Miami wanted him to go back to New Orleans, where he will play every day.