Marlins call up reliever McGough from Triple-A

MIAMI -- Carrying a third catcher was a luxury the Marlins enjoyed for nearly three weeks. But dealing with an overused bullpen, the club on Thursday decided to select the contract of reliever Scott McGough from Triple-A New Orleans and option catcher Tomas Telis to the Zephyrs.

Telis, acquired from the Rangers for reliever Sam Dyson on July 31, likely won't be in the Minors very long. When rosters expand on Sept. 1, he is expected to be called back up.

McGough, 25, in his Major League debut, entered in the seventh inning and allowed three runs on five hits in two-thirds of an inning in the Marlins' 9-7 win over the Phillies. The Marlins acquired the right-hander from the Dodgers in July of 2012 as part of the Hanley Ramirez deal.

The right-hander missed all of 2014 due to Tommy John surgery.

The Marlins' pitching staff has been hit hard by injuries. McGough adds a fresh arm to a tired bullpen.

Miami considered promoting McGough on Monday, when David Phelps (stress fracture right radius bone) was placed on the disabled list. But instead, right-hander Erik Cordier was promoted from New Orleans.

McGough has appeared in 23 total Minor League games this season, with New Orleans, Double-A Jacksonville and a brief stint with Class A Advanced Jupiter. In 32 1/3 innings, he's combined for a 1.95 ERA, striking out 16 and walking 13.

Telis made his lone start for the Marlins on Tuesday at Milwaukee. He's hitless in eight at-bats since joining Miami.

He also appeared in six games and was 2-for-11 with the Rangers.

Telis will be in the mix for a backup catching spot next season.