The Marlins banished outfielder Chris Coghlan to Triple-A New Orleans Friday afternoon after he failed to light up the plate this season.
Losing his roster spot just before playing the Tampa Bay Rays on the road near his hometown, Coghlan is not taking the demotion well.
"He took it hard. He knows he belongs here. Just having a bad start," general manager Edwin Rodriguez said. "What we've seen from Chris Coghlan, he's going to be the first one to tell you that's not him swinging the bat."
Coghlan has hit .230 with five homers and 22 RBIs in 65 games this season.
In 2009, the year he earned NL Rookie of the Year, Cogz hit .321 in 128 games. He was hitting .268 last year before a knee injury cut his season short and cut into this year's spring training.
Last week, the 25-year-old lost his role as leadoff hitter.
"I really believe and we believe that Chris Coghlan needs to work on his swing," said Rodriguez. "We all know he's a way better hitter than he's been showing. I think he will be fine. Whenever he's fine, then he can come back here and help us."
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Outfielder Dewayne Wise was brought up from New Orleans.
