Eli

Marrero

Marrero is batting .375 (51-for-136) in his past 43 games with 22 extra-base hits and 27 RBI. He leads the team at .394 with RISP, and .413 against lefties. Look for him to take more at-bats from Thomas. Unfortunately, Bobby Cox hasn’t used Marrero behind the plate at all this year, so his catcher eligibility (six games in 2003) looks like it will disappear next season.

Manager Tony LaRussa could not say whether Marrero would be ready to give catcher Mike Matheny a day off during this weekend’s series.

Eduardo Perez started for Marrero in right field Wednesday. LaRussa said it’s possible Marrero could give Mike Matheny a day off behind the plate in this weekend’s series.

Marrero had a lot of fluid drained from the area on Monday but by Wednesday experienced additional fluid buildup that makes it difficult for him to stretch. He remains day-to-day.

Alberto Castillo likely will be John Buck’s backup. So much of Marrero’s value used to come from the fact that he was a solid defensive catcher with versatility. Now he’s just a platoon outfielder coming off a career year. “We can platoon Marrero with Matt Stairs or Terrence Long and get pretty good production,” GM Allard Baird said. “It’s a move that also helps our team defense and our team speed.” Baird added that he’d still be on the lookout for a young corner outfielder capable of playing regularly.

Jocketty is on the lookout for economical bench help with Marrero and Fernando Vina out. Marrero’s injury sounds worse every time there’s a new update.

Chris Widger is expected to get the call from Triple-A Memphis to serve as Mike Matheny’s backup. No word on how much time Marrero is expected to miss.

Marrero could return to playing in the outfield before he is ready to resume duties as a backup catcher, but it appears that he’s done until after the All-Star break.

Jason Kendall, A.J. Pierzynski, Benito Santiago and Brad Ausmus all remain possibilities, but Marrero is someone the Padres have targeted in the past. They’ll probably ask about him again.

Marrero said he felt much better after being taken off an antibiotic he had been taking for gastrointestinal irritation. The Cardinals are off today, so Marrero will return tomorrow.