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Kensing

Josh Beckett, Carl Pavano, Dontrelle Willis and Ismael Valdez, who is 4-2 with a 3.45 ERA since coming over from San Diego, might only last one turn before the Fish are cooked.

Kensing has been out since mid-June with what was called a strained elbow.

Kensing could need a stint on the disabled list to allow the injury to heal. Chris Resop would be likely called up to take Kensing’s spot in the bullpen if he has to go on the DL.

The Marlins didn’t say who would replace him, but Chris Resop still seems like a good guess.

Randy Messenger and Matt Herges will receive more work late in games with Kensing sidelined for at least the next couple of weeks.

The Marlins’ current guess is that he’ll miss three to five days. If it’s anything worse than that, the club can put him on the DL and recall Chris Resop.

“It doesn’t hurt at all,’' Kensing said. ``That’s the weird thing. For the first few days, it felt tight. But now it feels fine.’'

Joe Borowski was likely available, but he was bypassed for one night. Kensing has pitched six hitless innings over his last five appearances, so while it’s unlikely that he’ll be named the Marlins’ closer right away, he is in line for more save chances. He has value in NL-only leagues.

Kensing was believed to be ahead of schedule in his rehab, but the Marlins are going to be cautious with him. ''It still feels good,’' Kensing said. ``But I won’t know until I pick up a ball.’'

Kensing, who has been on the DL since Aug. 7 with a right wrist flexor strain, won’t throw again for a week.