Marlins designate Green, promote Lucas
Lucas, 31, called up after 10 seasons in Minor Leagues
MIAMI -- The Marlins designated Nick Green for assignment and selected Ed Lucas from Triple-A New Orleans on Wednesday. Lucas' promotion to Miami marks the 31-year-old third baseman's first callup to the Majors after 10 years in the Minors.
"Everybody's got a different journey to the big leagues," Marlins manager Mike Redmond said. "Everybody's had the same goal of getting to the big leagues, and there's another story that's unique."
Lucas began his journey when the Royals drafted him in the eighth round of the 2004 First-Year Player Draft. He is batting .304 in his first season with the Zephyrs and leads the team in numerous offensive categories, including home runs (five) and total bases (82).
"It's been a long time," Lucas said. "You kind of stop expecting it. You always hope for it, but you kind of need to put that hope somewhere in the deep, dark recesses of your brain. After 10 years, you're always hopeful, but you're never expecting."
Redmond envisions a utility role for Lucas, who has played every infield position as well as the outfield corner spots during his time in the Minors. Lucas carries four different gloves to account for the utility role.
"I'm more than willing to go out there and play whatever position they need and fill in as needed," Lucas said.
Miami has designated Green for assignment twice this season. He has batted .236 with one home run and six RBIs in 18 games.
Green served as a utility fielder for the Marlins, seeing time at every infield position. His most recent work had come at first base when Miami faced left-handed starters.