Marlins trim Spring Training roster by 11 players

JUPITER, Fla. -- Round 1 of Marlins cuts came on Friday morning, and 11 players were informed they wouldn't be part of the Opening Day roster. For many young players, some in their first big league camp, the news was expected. For others, Friday marked their last day in the organization.

The Marlins released 34-year-old right-hander Michael Wuertz, who has 426 Major League games of experience. Wuertz last pitched in the big leagues with Oakland in 2011, and he appeared in one Grapefruit League game, tossing a scoreless inning.

"We didn't see him in the picture of the 25-man roster," manager Mike Redmond said. "Instead of carrying him, and just dragging him along, we felt the best option for him to catch on with another team was to let him go, and see if somebody else picks him up. The longer you go in Spring Training, the tougher it gets for guys when they get released."

Miami also optioned lefty Scott Maine to Triple-A New Orleans. Right-hander Arquimedes Caminero, perhaps the hardest thrower in the organization, and third baseman Zack Cox were optioned to Double-A Jacksonville.

If Caminero can command his 97-mph fastball, he has a chance to make an impact in the back of the bullpen.

"This kid, if he pounds the strike zone, and he can consistently repeat his delivery, he's a big leaguer," Redmond said. "It's really up to him, to go down there and work as hard as he possibly can to get that consistency in the strike zone. When he does that, he's going to dominate in the big leagues."

Cox may factor into Miami's third-base plans in the future.

Additionally, Michael Brady (RHP), Adam Conley (LHP), Brian Flynn (LHP), Raudel Lazo (LHP), Danny Black (INF), Derek Dietrich (INF) and Kevin Mattison (OF) were reassigned to Minor League camp.

Dietrich was acquired from the Rays for Yunel Escobar in June. A left-handed-hitting infielder, he will work mostly at second and third base. He hasn't yet been told if he is going to Double-A or Triple-A.

"First of all, it was awesome to meet all the guys," Dietrich said. "To meet all the staff, and all the players. We have a great group. I knew that from the get-go. Getting my feet wet was easy. It's been fun. They made the transition easy for me in my first big league camp."

The Marlins opened camp with 73 players. A few days ago, lefty Andrew Heaney was reassigned to undergo rehab for a strained lat. Alfredo Silverio, a Rule 5 Draft Pick in December, will be out several weeks with a right elbow strain.