The Miami Marlins have reinstated second baseman Dee Gordon from his suspension.
Gordon, of course, has missed the last 80 games while serving his drug suspension. He’s coming off a minor league rehab assignment and will be the everyday second baseman for the contending Marlins. He was hitting .266/.289/.340 with three doubles, two triples, five RBI, 13 runs scored, and six stolen bases in 97 plate appearances when he was popped. He was replaced by Derek Dietrich, who hit a nice .275/.366/.398 with 22 extra-base hits, 30 RBI, and 26 runs scored in 314 PA in Gordon’s absence, so don’t expect a tremendous upgrade at second down the stretch, even if they get a nice upgrade in the utility and depth department.
To make room for Gordon, the Marlins designated utilityman and sometimes hero Don Kelly for assignment. Sad jams.
UPDATE: Gordon issued a video apology on the eve of his reinstatement:
BREAKING NEWS: Dee Gordon (@FlashGJr) sends apology to fans before returning to the @Marlins tonight.https://t.co/E5b5a7qMkb
— UNINTERRUPTED (@uninterrupted) July 28, 2016
