Second baseman Derek Dietrich has been optioned back to Triple A New Orleans, the Marlins announced after Tuesday's 1-0 win over the Tampa Bay Rays.

Despite starting 36 games at second base this season and producing some pop at the plate against right-handers (.256, 5 HRs, 16 RBI), Dietrich has had plenty of defensive struggles. He's committed seven errors at second, tied with the Braves' Dan Uggla for the most in baseball.

"We're just in a situation where we want to make sure he plays," manager Mike Redmond said. "There's some defensive things we obviously want him to work out. It doesn't do him any good to [sit]. He needs to play.

"He's still a young guy. We love him. We love what he can do. He just needs to be a little more consistent. I think he understands that. We know he'll go down there and work hard not just on his defense, but all aspects of his game. This guy is a big leaguer. It's all about consistency up here in the big leagues. But I know he'll go down there and do what he needs to do to get here as soon as possible."

Redmond said the team will announce a corresponding move on Wednesday.

Could veteran Rafael Furcal be on his way up to join the Marlins in Tampa? There's definitely a chance. Redmond said Monday Furcal is supposed to go to Double A Jacksonville on Thursday. But he's played well thus far in five minor league games for Single A Jupiter and left after playing only seven innings Tuesday night. He was 2-for-3 with a run scored in that game.

> Count Redmond as somebody very thankful third baseman Casey McGehee wasn't hurt in Tuesday's win. McGehee was standing in the on-deck circle when Giancarlo Stanton broke his bat on a lineout to short in the fourth inning. The barrel of the bat hit McGehee in the ribs.

"Man that was scary," Redmond said. "I think that kind of hit him in the ribs and elbow. I saw the bat break. A lot of times you watch the ball, but my eyes never left the bat. It was coming at me, but clipped Casey. Thankfully he was alright. If that was a foot up he's in trouble. It was scary."