ARLINGTON -- The Marlins again are searching for a starting pitching option. Tom Koehler, on the losing end of Sunday's 6-3 decision at Cincinnati, was optioned to Triple-A New Orleans on Monday.
Left-hander Hunter Cervenka was recalled from New Orleans to provide bullpen depth, but the club still will look for a starter for Friday against the Reds at Marlins Park. At this point it is unclear who will make that start, but Vance Worley, who is a long relief option in the bullpen right now, could get the nod.
Koehler opened the season as Miami's No. 3 starter, but the right-hander has had a rough year, posting a 1-5 record with a 7.92 ERA. This is the second time he's been optioned to the Baby Cakes.
"We just wanted to continue to look at other guys," manager Don Mattingly said. "It's been a tough year for Tom. It was not an easy one yesterday. It's an opportunity for us to use an extra guy out of the 'pen and then take a look at another guy."
Mattingly added the addition of Cervenka gives the bullpen a second lefty. Now that the Marlins have traded David Phelps to the Mariners, left-hander Jarlin Garcia could match up more in later innings against left-handed hitters.
"It gives us an extra lefty out of the 'pen to match up a little bit," Mattingly said. "We can use Jarlin a little bit. The loss of David, maybe some spots for Jarlin late in the game."
Mattingly said the Marlins aren't ruling out trying Koehler out as a reliever at Triple-A.
Koehler initially went on the disabled list with right shoulder bursitis after a May 16 start. When he was healthy, he was sent to New Orleans.
The Marlins brought Koehler back up on July 1, and in four starts this month, his ERA is 9.87 (19 earned runs in 17 1/3 innings).
On Sunday, the right-hander gave up six runs (five earned) in 5 2/3 innings in Cincinnati, also allowing three solo home runs. In 12 starts, he has yielded 15 home runs.
Cervenka was acquired last year from the Braves, and this is his first stint with Miami this year. At New Orleans, the lefty had a 4.50 ERA in 36 games, with 34 strikeouts and 21 walks in 34 innings.
Worth noting:
• The Marlins are considering putting shortstop JT Riddle on the disabled list. Riddle is dealing with left shoulder tendinitis, and Miguel Rojas has started every game since last Wednesday.
"I'm a little worried about JT," Mattingly said. "We're actually talking about possibly doing something. It just hasn't improved like we'd like. I know he's a little anxious about playing defense from the standpoint, he's going to try to make all the plays. So if he ends up diving on a play, he knows he doesn't really want to. And he's feeling it a little on his swing still."
• Right-hander Edinson Volquez (left knee tendinitis) and third baseman Martin Prado (right knee strain) are each experiencing discomfort in their rehabilitation. Both are doing limited baseball activities.