Latos could return to Marlins soon

TORONTO -- Mat Latos' next start could come in a Miami Marlins uniform.

The 27-year-old right-hander made a rehab start on Monday night with Triple-A New Orleans, and by all indications, he exceeded expectations.

"Spoke to him earlier today, said he felt strong, his [velocity] certainly indicated that," said Marlins manager Dan Jennings. "He had some of the best, if not the best, velocity we've seen all year. Chuck [Hernandez] and I called the Triple-A pitching coach, John Duffy, just to get his assessment of it.

"I think probably the next time he takes the ball, it'll be with us in the big leagues."

Latos has been on the disabled list since May 23 with left knee inflammation.

He allowed three hits and an earned run while striking out four in 4 2/3 innings in the rehab start.

Jennings expects to have a better idea of where Latos slots into the rotation in the coming days.

"It could be within a week," he said. "That's what we're doing now. We're looking at the rotation and where he could potentially fit in. I would say tomorrow or at least by the time we get back to Miami, we will make that decision and know where he's going to fit in the rotation and then make the adjustment and go from there."

The Marlins conclude their six-game road trip on Wednesday afternoon in Toronto before returning to Miami to open up a four game set with the Colorado Rockies on Thursday.