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Redmond likes Hechavarria in two-hole

MIAMI -- In time, the Marlins envision Adeiny Hechavarria as a top-of-the-order-caliber hitter.

That time is apparently now.

With manager Mike Redmond experimenting with lineups in hopes of finding a combination that clicks, he is batting Hechavarria second.

"I like him hitting second," Redmond said.

Redmond talked about the 24-year-old shortstop hitting in the two-hole during Spring Training. But when the season started, Hechavarria started off hitting eighth.

Although he is batting .211 in 95 at-bats on the season, Hechavarria is hitting .250 (3-for-12) in the second spot.

"You can see his approach and patience slowly start to improve," Redmond said. "That's what we're looking for. He has a lot of pop."

In spacious Marlins Park, Hechavarria is capitalizing on its wide gaps, hitting a pair of triples in the last series against the Reds. He's shown the ability to shoot the ball to right-center field.

Hechavarria's five triples are the most in the Majors, one ahead of Boston's Jacoby Ellsbury entering Friday's action. Three of Hechavarria's three-base hits have come at Marlins Park.

"When he takes his batting practice, he tries to stay on balls and drive them to right field," Redmond said. "That's a good approach. This guy is learning to hit in the big leagues, and learning an approach."

Hechavarria, acquired from the Blue Jays last November, is still developing. He is in his first full big league season after he appeared in 41 games and batted .254 with eight doubles, two homers and no triples in 2012.

"This kid is a special player," Redmond said. "We knew going in there would be some growing pains with the bat. But at the same time, he's out here working hard, taking extra hitting and doing everything he can possibly do to make himself a better player. We're seeing the results of it."

Joe Frisaro is a reporter for MLB.com. He writes a blog, called The Fish Pond. Follow him on Twitter Read More: Miami Marlins, Giancarlo Stanton, Duane Below, Adeiny Hechavarria, Jon Rauch