CINCINNATI — The Miami Marlins recalled left-hander Justin Nicolino from Triple-A New Orleans on Saturday when scheduled starter Tom Koehler was scratched, reportedly because of neck and back pain.
Nicolino went 4-3 with a 2.87 ERA in 13 starts at Triple-A, including two complete games.
Koehler, a 23-year-old right-hander from Orlando, Fla., was acquired in the 12-player blockbuster deal with the Toronto Blue Jays involving Josh Johnson. Nicolino’s opposition on Saturday, Reds right-hander Anthony DeSclafani, also was acquired by Miami in that trade.
Koehler is 5-4 with a 3.76 ERA in 14 appearances, all but one of them starts.
In his four big-league seasons, Koehler never has been on the disabled list.
Right-hander Dan Haren is the only member of Miami’s original rotation not to miss time this season because of injury.
To make room for Nicolino, catcher Jhonatan Solano was designated for assignment. That move was expected since the Marlins were carrying three catchers, with J.T. Realmuto seemingly over his back issues.