McGehee assuming many roles

MIAMI -- The Marlins aren't hesitating putting things on Casey McGehee's plate.

Already, the 31-year-old is handling third base, and he is batting cleanup against left-handed pitchers. McGehee has impressed with his production, like three doubles, a triple and eight RBIs in the first four games.

He's also broken up a potential double play, which kept an inning alive that resulted in an RBI for Garrett Jones.

Manager Mike Redmond also has informed McGehee that he is the emergency third catcher.

Initially, the role was going to Ed Lucas.

But on March 27, the day Lucas was informed he had made the team as a utility player, he fractured a bone in his left hand after being struck by a pitch.

McGehee actually has experience catching. He's caught 100 games in the Minors in 2008.

"Red told me I was allowed to tell you guys I was the emergency catcher, at least until Lucas came back. And then we were going to have a tryout," McGehee said.

It's only on the rarest of occasions that an emergency catcher is needed. So odds are he will not be behind the plate. Still, McGehee welcomes the opportunity to wear the gear.

"That's the sick part about it. I actually do want to get back there again," he said. "Maybe not in a close game. I've been aggravating [bench coach Rob] Leary about it since Spring Training, because they said Lucas is the emergency guy. I caught 100 games. I couldn't be that bad back there."